Characteristics of Stroke in Hofuf, Saudi Arabia

This study demonstrated that stroke is a common neurological condition in the Al-Hassa region of the Kingdom. The male:female ratio was dissimilar from that observed in other parts of Saudi Arabia. The study also showed that hypertension with diabetes constituted a potent risk factor. Sickle cell anemia was not found to be a risk factor. The case fatality was low and both the incidence and mortality showed seasonal preference. We believe that there is a need to establish a Stroke Register at the King Fahad Hospital at Hofuf for the Al-Hassa region.