When it comes to stroke, statistics can help provide a better understanding of the medical and economic impact of strokes. Statistics indicate that strokes cost the United States $28 billion just in medical care and therapy; the total cost of strokes is much higher -- estimated at $43 billion annually. Other stroke statistics show that about 40 percent of stroke survivors will experience moderate to severe impairments that require special care.

Cost of Stroke: Statistics

Below are some stroke statistics related to the cost of strokes:

• Total cost of stroke to the United States: estimated at about $43 billion per year
   
• Direct costs for medical care and therapy: estimated at about $28 billion per year
   
• Indirect costs from lost productivity and other factors: estimated at about $15 billion per year
   
• Average cost of care for a patient up to 90 days after a stroke: $15,000
   
• For 10 percent of patients, cost of care for the first 90 days after a stroke: $35,000
   
• Percentage of direct cost of care for the first 90 days:

o Initial hospitalization = 43 percent

o Rehabilitation = 16 percent

o Physician costs = 14 percent

o Hospital readmission = 14 percent

o Medications and other expenses = 13 percent.

Effects of Stroke: Statistics

• 10 percent of stroke survivors recover almost completely
• 25 percent recover with minor impairments
• 40 percent experience moderate to severe impairments that require special care
• 10 percent require care in a nursing home or other long-term facility
• 15 percent die shortly after the stroke.