After heart attack and cancer, cerebrovascular accident (CVA) is the third leading cause of death. Moreover, CVA is the leading cause of long-term disability. Having suffered a stroke, 30% of patients are incapable of independent existence without help of others. After the first ischemic stroke, 10% of patients die within the first 30 days, 20% within 6 months, and this percentage increases to 30% within one year.