What Everyone Needs to Know About Stroke

Every year on October 29, the world comes together to mark World Stroke Day. The message is “Every Minute Counts” using the hashtag #ActFAST.

A stroke is essentially a “brain attack”. It occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is cut off by a clot or a burst blood vessel. When the brain is deprived of blood, brain cells begin dying at an alarming rate; nearly 2 million brain cells die every single minute a stroke goes untreated!

How to Spot a Stroke FAST

You don’t need to be a doctor to spot a stroke. Remember this warning signs:

• Face Drooping: Does one side of the person’s face droop or feel numb when they try to smile?
• Arm Weakness: Is one arm weak or numb? Does one arm drift downward when they try to raise both arms?
• Speech Difficulty: Is their speech slurred, confusing, or hard to understand?
• Time to Act: If you see any of these signs, get emergency medical help immediately!

Why Stroke is a Major Concern in Nigeria

Stroke affects individuals and families across Nigeria in unique ways:

• It Hits at a Younger Age: In Nigeria, stroke strikes adults about 15 years younger on average than in Western countries, affecting people during their most productive working years.
• Impact on Children: Nigeria has the highest burden of Sickle Cell Disease globally. Without early screening, sickle cell is the leading cause of stroke in Nigerian children.
• High Financial Burden: Over 90% of healthcare in Nigeria is paid directly out of pocket, making emergency hospital care and rehabilitation a severe financial strain for families.
• Shortage of Specialists: There are only about 80 adult brain specialists (neurologists) serving the entire population of over 200 million Nigerians.

Top Causes of Stroke in Nigeria

Major medical research in West Africa (the SIREN study) shows that almost all strokes in Nigeria are linked to a few main risk factors that can be managed:

• High Blood Pressure (Hypertension): The single biggest cause, linked to over 90% of stroke risk in the region. Many people have high blood pressure without knowing it.
• Unhealthy Diet: Consuming too much salt and not eating enough fresh, green leafy vegetables.
• Diabetes & High Cholesterol: Both damage blood vessels over time if left unmanaged.
• Stress & Lifestyle: High stress levels, lack of regular physical exercise, tobacco use, and excessive alcohol consumption.

5 Simple Steps to Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones

1. Know Your Blood Pressure: Check your blood pressure regularly at a local clinic or pharmacy. High blood pressure is often a silent killer.
2. Eat Better: Cut down on processed foods and extra salt, and add more green leafy vegetables to your daily meals.
3. Keep Moving: Aim for regular physical activity, such as walking, jogging, or sports.
4. Screen Children with Sickle Cell: If you have a child with Sickle Cell Disease, ask your doctor for a Transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasound scan to check their stroke risk early.
5. Act Immediately: If you notice stroke symptoms in anyone, do not wait for the symptoms to pass. Getting to a hospital quickly saves brain cells and lives.