Burden of Stroke in Singapore

Abstract

Stroke is Singapore's fourth leading cause of death, with a crude death rate of 40.4/100 000 in 2006, a prevalence of 3.65% and an incidence of 1.8/1000, and is among the top 10 causes of hospitalization. Approximately one-quarter of strokes are hemorrhagic. Hospital care for acute stroke costs about US$5000. Subsidized healthcare is widely available for primary level and hospital care, as are rehabilitative services. A national stroke support group has been established. With our rapidly aging population, coupled with the high prevalence of stroke risk factors in the community, the burden of stroke is expected to increase dramatically in the years to come, posing challenges to the healthcare system and society. A national disease management plan incorporating high-quality clinical care coupled with research would be essential.

The use of virtual reality-based therapy to augment poststroke upper limb recovery

“…(1) Locally, cerebrovascular disease is estimated to have an incidence of 1.8 per 1000 person-years, with a crude prevalence rate of 4.05%. (2) This case report illustrates the potential of virtual reality (VR)-based modalities for the rehabilitation of upper limb function in cases of acute stroke. We highlight the complementary use of biomechanical and kinematic in-game markers, in addition to standard clinical outcomes, to comprehensively assess and track a patient's disabilities.…”

A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Phase II Pilot Study to Investigate the Potential Efficacy of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Neuroaid (MLC 601) in Enhancing Recovery after Stroke (TIERS)

“…The subjects were on average young compared to the average stroke age of 65 years [19]. The profile of the population regarding medical disorders such as hypertension and diabetes was similar to the average profile of stroke patients in Singapore [19]. The duration of the treatment and of this study was shorter versus the duration of other trials assessing the efficacy of Neuroaid after stroke [10].…”

“…However, trends were observed and results provided estimates for sample size requirements to achieve statistical significance in future studies. The subjects were on average young compared to the average stroke age of 65 years [19]. The profile of the population regarding medical disorders such as hypertension and diabetes was similar to the average profile of stroke patients in Singapore [19].…”

Outpatient management of transient ischaemic attack

“…(5) Stroke has an incidence of 1.8 per 1,000 person-years and a prevalence of 3.7% in Singapore. (6) With an estimated expenditure of almost SGD12,500 per patient per year, (7) stroke is a disease that exacts a substantial financial burden in addition to the heavy physical, emotional, and psychosocial costs that patients and family members often need to grapple with.…”