These statistics are estimates based on the Paralysis Prevalence & Health Disparities Survey, which was conducted by the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention in 2013. Note that these are prevalence estimates, which means that the statistics represent the entire population living with paralysis, not just those who have become paralyzed in a particular year. It is also worth noting that the survey data have been analyzed to result in estimates that represent the nation as a whole.
- Just under 6 million people – or 1.7 percent of the U.S. population – are paralyzed
- Nearly three-quarters of people who are paralyzed are under age 65
- Stroke is the leading cause of paralysis – accounting for one-third of the cases
- Spinal cord injury is the second leading cause – accounting for just over one-quarter of cases
Source: Armour, B.S., and others. (2016, October). Prevalence and causes of paralysis – United States, 2013. AJPH. American Journal of Public Health, 106(10), 1855-1857. Click here for publisher’s website: http://ajph.aphapublications.org/doi/pdf/10.2105/AJPH.2016.303270 Posted by AHA Resource Center (312) 422-2050, rc@aha.org
Filed under: Population health, Posted by Kim Garber | Tagged: Paralysis statistics |
American Hospital Association Resource Center Blog 