The cost of ischaemic stroke in Croatia.

Direct costing structure of ischaemic stroke in Croatia is above the value of upper-middle income countries. Our study showed that post stroke rehabilitation seems to be a strong modifier of future post-stroke costs and further research into various models of post-stroke care and rehabilitation could be the answer into more successful rehabilitation that could increase QALY and reduce the economic burden of stroke. Further investment in rehabilitation research and provision might bring promising opportunities to improve long term patient outcomes.