Nigeria: A Growing Concern

In Nigeria, stroke cases have been on the rise over the past 15 years. It is increasingly affecting men and women aged 40 to 60, an economically active segment of the population. Many individuals are unaware of their underlying health conditions, such as high blood pressure or diabetes, until a stroke occurs.

Cultural beliefs also contribute to delays in seeking care. In some rural areas, stroke is still misinterpreted as a spiritual attack, leading people to seek spiritual remedies instead of medical help.

I personally lost an uncle to stroke in late 2023. It began with sudden weakness on one side of his body. At first, the family assumed it was stress-related or spiritual. By the time he was taken to the hospital, his condition had worsened. Though he received medical attention, the stroke had already caused irreversible damage. He remained partially paralyzed and dependent until he passed away several months later. His story is a heartbreaking reminder of the importance of early recognition and timely treatment.

Healthcare professionals and advocates in Nigeria are calling for:

• Increased public health awareness
• Free or subsidized health screenings
• More government support for emergency care
• Improved access to affordable medications

Introduction

A Brief History of Stroke

The word “stroke” was historically referred to as “apoplexy,” used by Hippocrates in the 5th century BC to describe sudden paralysis. In 1658, Johann Jakob Wepfer linked apoplexy to brain hemorrhages and artery blockages. In the 20th century, medical imaging and neuroscience significantly advanced stroke diagnosis and treatment.

Global Stroke Burden

• 12.2 million new strokes occur annually worldwide.
• Stroke is the second leading cause of death, responsible for roughly 11.6% of global deaths.
• More than 63 million years of healthy life are lost each year due to stroke-related complications.
• Global economic costs exceed US$890 billion per year, potentially doubling by 2050.

Age Groups Most Affected

• Older Adults (65+) are at the highest risk.
• Younger Adults (18–49) account for around 15% of global stroke cases.
• Children can also suffer strokes, especially those with conditions like sickle cell anemia.

Risk Factors and Causes

• High blood pressure (leading cause)
• Diabetes
• Heart conditions like atrial fibrillation
• Unhealthy lifestyle: smoking, poor diet, inactivity, excessive alcohol
• Genetic predisposition

Effects and Complications

• Paralysis or weakness, often on one side of the body
• Speech difficulties (aphasia)
• Cognitive problems like memory loss or poor focus
• Emotional changes such as depression or anxiety

Management and Treatment

Emergency Treatment

• Ischemic Stroke: Treated with tPA (clot-busting drugs) within a few hours
• Hemorrhagic Stroke: May require surgery or medication to control bleeding

Rehabilitation

• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Speech therapy

Prevention

• Monitor and control blood pressure, cholesterol, and sugar
• Exercise regularly and eat a healthy diet
• Stop smoking and limit alcohol
• Follow your doctor’s prescriptions, especially if you’re at risk

Stroke in Other Regions

• Asia: High burden in countries like China and India
• Europe: Higher death rates in Eastern Europe
• America: One of the top 5 causes of death in the U.S., with ethnic disparities
• Africa (General): Rising cases due to poor lifestyle and limited healthcare access

Conclusion

Stroke is a serious public health concern worldwide, and particularly in countries like Nigeria. Through greater awareness, early diagnosis, and proper management, many lives can be saved and disabilities avoided. It is time for unified global and local actions to combat the growing stroke crisis.

References

• World Stroke Organization Global Stroke Fact Sheet
• Global Stroke Statistics 2022, ResearchGate
• CDC – Stroke Facts
• WHO Eastern Mediterranean – Stroke
• The Lancet Neurology – Stroke Burden