OBJECTIVE: To study the incidence and geographical variance of ischemic stroke resulting from ICAD, an important risk factor for stroke, in the various regions within China. To survey current treatment options and describe new solutions. METHODS: A literature review was conducted and incidence rates of stroke in the 29 provinces of China were used to derive estimates for the specific incidence of intracranial ischemic stroke. Publications on the proportion of different stroke subtypes in China were used to determine the rates for ischemic stroke and intracranial disease in China, and then estimate how extensively the population is afflicted by ICAD. RESULTS: The geographic distribution of stroke incidence and mortality in China varies by region, ranging from 80.9/100,000 in Shanghai city to 486.4/100,000 in Harbin city. In the urban areas of Guangdong, Shanghai and Beijing, there are an estimated 13,087, 12,855, and 3,534 persons affected in the respective provinces. The nearby provinces of Hebei and Hunan have respectively 43,792 and 49,362 affected. With improved diagnostic capabilities, collection of this specific data will give further clarification on the variability in incidences of ICAD in China. CONCLUSIONS: As incidence and mortality rates have not been previously tracked for ICAD, values for ICAD in regions of China are estimates based on current literature. The results of the analysis show a high incidence of ICAD. The burden of ICAD is especially high in China compared to other countries and suggests the need for a solution to relieve the health care system and society of long term care costs associated with ICAD sufferers. It will be important to develop strategies to enhance public awareness of risk factors and prevent the disease. For those affected by ICAD seeking an alternative to drug therapy and surgical bypass, there is an unmet medical need for a minimally invasive treatment.