Some Numbers on Aphasia
According to Lingraphica, a Medicare-backed tool to assist aphasic patients, aphasia is caused primarily through strokes, but can be the result of other injuries. According to their figures, roughly 85 percent of all cases of aphasia are caused by a stroke. However, this does leave the remaining 15 percent, a sizeable minority, to other causes. This can include trauma to the brain, failed surgical procedures, and various diseases.
Overall, aphasia affects a significantly larger population than other common brain and nerve disorders. Currently, there are an estimated 1,000,000 people living with aphasia, compared to cerebral palsy, which totals 600,000 cases. In terms of new cases within the past year, the currently estimated rate is 80,000 new people developing aphasia. Again, cerebral palsy only measure 10,000 new estimated cases.
In part, these statistics illustrate a change in US demographics. After the age of 55-years-old, the chance for a stroke doubles with each passing decade. In addition, the Baby Boomer generation has approached this age, increasing the rate of strokes immensely. As aphasia is commonly tied to stroke-related damages, it is expected that these numbers will only increase. Some estimates state that the increased elderly population may even double the living population with aphasia by the year 2020.
If you have sustained an injury or was mistreated for a stroke, you may be entitled to pursue legal action. Contact the Charleston personal injury attorneys of the Steinberg Law Firm today for more information.