Neuroepidemiology
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To describe the epidemiology of spinal cord injury (SCI) in the developing world. ⋯ Through an understanding of the epidemiology of SCI in developing countries, appropriate preventative strategies and resource allocation may decrease the incidence and improve the care of these injuries.
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Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a major risk factor for stroke, especially in the elderly. Increased life expectancies mean that AF-related stroke is a growing global public health concern. Improvements in the detection, treatment and prevention of the consequences of AF have occurred in recent years. ⋯ Evidence on changes in the prevalence of AF, the risk of stroke associated with AF and the excess cost of AF-related stroke over the last 30 years was summarised. The results provide evidence that the age-adjusted prevalence of AF and the relative risk of stroke associated with AF has remained relatively constant. Unless action is taken to improve detection of AF and reduce its consequences, a considerable increase in the social and economic burden associated with AF-related stroke is likely.