INTRODUCTION
Stroke is caused by apoptosis of brain cells due to cerebral infarction or hemorrhage1). Primary risk factors for stroke include high blood pressure, diabetes, lack of physical activity, and alcohol consumption2), and the main symptoms of stroke are headache, difficulty in walking, seizures, impaired vision, and dysesthesia3). The prevalence of stroke is increasing with the increase in the aged population, especially with the increase in the number of survivors of cardiovascular disease4, 5).