Stroke Becoming Epidemic In Nigeria, Neurologist Warns

By Fatima Mohammed-Lawal

The Head of Stroke Unit of the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), Prof. Kolawole Wahab has warned that the high buden of stroke in Nigeria is taking epidemic proportion.

Wahab stated this in Ilorin, while speaking on the sidelines of the free screening, consultation and treatment of hypertensive patients to mark the World Stroke Day.

He said that the theme of the day is entitled: “#Greater Than Stroke: Active Challenge”.

According to him, stroke is the leading cause of death and morbidity in Nigeria and statistics shows every 114 per 100,000 persons will have stroke.

“Stroke is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, and it is likely to worsen in developing countries .

“When compared to the rest of the world, Africa is having a disproportionate burden of stroke.

“This is because in the developed world, the burden of stroke is reducing whereas in Africa, it is increasing,” he said.

 

 

The expert, who teaches in the Department of Medicine, Faculty of Clinical Sciences of University of Ilorin, explained that hypertension and diabetes are the driving factors.

“What we see in our stroke unit is scary because out of 10 patients on admission at any particular moment, nine out of them are hypertensive,” he said.

Wahab pointed out that most of the patient don’t take their drugs regularly, adding that the control of hypertension is very abysmal.

He appealed to people to always get their blood pressure and blood sugar checked, to prevent against stroke.

The expert warned against smoking and drinking, saying these are risk factors that lead to stroke, while advising overweight people to shed their weight, and live healthy lifestyle.

Speaking also, Dr Abiodun Bello, a Consultant Neurologist at UiTH, described the symptoms of stroke to include change in balance, unable to walk well or staggering.

He also said other symptoms are weakness on one side.of the body, difficulty seeing, arm weakness and speech abnormalities among others.

Bello advised that people should seek medical attention for the necessary treatment and management.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the programme includes awareness campaign free blood pressure and blood sugar test and medication. (NAN)

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