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Seasonal variation of stroke--does it exist?
1Department of Neurology, University of Iowa College of Medicine, Iowa City.
Neuroepidemiology
|January 1, 1988
Summary
Seasonal climate impacts stroke occurrence. Cerebral infarction (CI) rates increased in warmer months, while intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) rates decreased, suggesting an inverse relationship needing further study.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Environmental Medicine
- Epidemiology
Background:
- A potential link between seasonal climate shifts and stroke incidence has been suggested.
- Understanding these environmental influences is crucial for public health strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between seasonal climate variations and the occurrence of different stroke types.
- To analyze stroke data in relation to temperature and rainfall patterns.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 2,960 stroke patients from 1978-1985.
- Classification of strokes into cerebral infarction (CI), transient ischemic attacks (TIAs), subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH), and intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH).
- Analysis using Poisson regression with local climatological data.
Main Results:
- TIA and SAH occurrences were not significantly affected by seasonal climate variables.
- A significant increase in CI referrals was observed during warmer months (p=0.027).
- ICH referrals were significantly lower during warm (p=0.027) and rainy (p=0.014) weather.
Conclusions:
- Seasonal climate variables influence the occurrence of specific stroke subtypes.
- Warmer weather is associated with increased CI, while both warm and rainy weather correlate with decreased ICH.
- An inverse seasonal relationship between CI and ICH in temperate climates warrants further investigation.