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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nA stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of the brain is suddenly cut off, depriving brain cells of oxygen. Brain cells begin to die within minutes. The faster blood flow is restored, the more brain tissue can be saved and the better the outcome.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There are two main types:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ischaemic stroke (about 85% of strokes):<\/strong> A blood clot blocks an artery supplying the brain. This is the most common type and is treatable with clot-dissolving medication, but only within a narrow time window of 4.5 hours from symptom onset.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Haemorrhagic stroke (about 15% of strokes):<\/strong> A blood vessel in or around the brain ruptures, causing bleeding into the brain tissue. Often more severe. Linked strongly to uncontrolled high blood pressure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A Transient Ischaemic Attack (TIA),<\/strong> often called a mini-stroke, produces the same symptoms as a stroke but resolves completely within minutes to hours, leaving no permanent damage. A TIA is a medical emergency and a critical warning sign. Up to 10\u201315% of people who have a TIA will have a full stroke within 3 months,<\/strong> many within 48 hours. A TIA must be treated as an emergency, not dismissed because the symptoms passed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The internationally recognised FAST<\/strong> acronym is the fastest way to identify a stroke:<\/p>\n\n\n\n F – Face drooping<\/strong> A – Arm weakness<\/strong> S – Speech difficulty<\/strong> T – Time to call for help<\/strong> Beyond the FAST signs, a stroke can present with any of the following, often suddenly, without warning:<\/p>\n\n\n\n On one side of the body, face, arm, or leg. The person may drop things suddenly, drag one foot, or feel that one side of their body has \u201cgone to sleep\u201d and will not wake up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Abrupt confusion, disorientation, or inability to understand what people are saying. The person may look bewildered, not respond normally to questions, or seem suddenly \u201cnot themselves.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Speech may become slurred (dysarthria), and words sound garbled or thick-tongued. Or the person may lose the ability to produce language at all (aphasia); they know what they want to say but cannot get the words out, or they speak in jumbled, nonsensical sentences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sudden blurred vision, double vision, loss of vision in one or both eyes, or a curtain-like loss of vision in one visual field. The person may cover one eye, squint suddenly, or complain that they cannot see clearly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A headache described as \u201cthe worst headache of my life\u201d – sudden in onset, severe in intensity, unlike any previous headache. This is the classic presentation of a subarachnoid haemorrhage (bleeding around the brain). Do not give painkillers and wait; go to a hospital immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unexplained dizziness, loss of balance, unsteady walking, or sudden inability to coordinate movements. The person may stagger, fall, or be unable to stand.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Difficulty swallowing – drooling, choking, or food or liquid going down the wrong way can be an early stroke sign, particularly in strokes affecting the brainstem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Act immediately; every minute matters.<\/strong> Brain cells die at a rate of approximately 1.9 million per minute during a stroke. The difference between acting in 30 minutes versus 3 hours can mean the difference between full recovery and permanent disability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Do:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Do NOT:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Uncontrolled hypertension is the single biggest risk factor for stroke in Nigeria. It is responsible for the majority of strokes seen in Nigerian hospitals. The tragedy is that hypertension is silent, and most people do not know their blood pressure is dangerously high until a stroke occurs. Checking your blood pressure regularly is stroke prevention.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Diabetes damages blood vessels and significantly increases stroke risk. Poorly controlled blood sugar accelerates vascular disease throughout the body, including in the brain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Atrial fibrillation (irregular heartbeat) is a major stroke risk factor; it causes blood clots to form in the heart that can travel to the brain. Other heart conditions, including heart failure and heart valve disease, also increase stroke risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Excess cholesterol builds up in artery walls, narrowing them and making clots more likely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Smoking damages blood vessels, accelerates atherosclerosis (artery hardening), and doubles the risk of ischaemic stroke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Excess weight raises blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol, all independent stroke risk factors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Heavy drinking raises blood pressure and increases the risk of haemorrhagic stroke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Stroke risk increases significantly with age, but in Nigeria, strokes are occurring in increasingly younger people, often in their 40s and 50s, largely due to uncontrolled hypertension and diabetes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A parent or sibling who has had a stroke increases your risk. Some inherited conditions affecting blood clotting or blood vessel structure also raise stroke risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Having had a stroke or TIA dramatically increases the risk of another. This is why post-stroke care and secondary prevention (medication, lifestyle change) are so important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Up to 80% of strokes are preventable<\/strong> through the management of risk factors. The most important steps:<\/p>\n\n\n\n 1. Know and control your blood pressure<\/strong> 2. Manage diabetes<\/strong> 3. Know your cholesterol levels<\/strong> 4. Exercise regularly<\/strong>TIA – The Warning Stroke<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The FAST Test: Recognise a Stroke in Seconds<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Ask the person to smile. Does one side of the face droop or appear uneven? Is the mouth pulled to one side?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ask the person to raise both arms. Does one arm drift downward or feel weak? Can they raise both arms equally?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ask the person to repeat a simple sentence: \u201cThe sky is blue.\u201d Is their speech slurred, garbled, or strange? Are they unable to speak or unable to understand what you are saying?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you observe ANY of these signs, even if they seem to resolve, get the person to a hospital immediately. Do not wait. Do not give them food, water, or medication. Time is brain.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAll the Warning Signs of a Stroke<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Sudden Numbness or Weakness<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Sudden Confusion<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Sudden Trouble Speaking or Understanding Speech<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Sudden Vision Problems<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Sudden Severe Headache<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Sudden Loss of Balance or Coordination<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Sudden Difficulty Swallowing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What to Do When You Recognise a Stroke<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Who Is at Risk of Stroke in Nigeria?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension) – The #1 Risk Factor<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Diabetes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Heart Disease<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
High Cholesterol<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Smoking<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Obesity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Excessive Alcohol Consumption<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Age<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Family History<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Previous Stroke or TIA<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Stroke Prevention: What You Can Do<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Check your blood pressure regularly. If it is elevated, work with your doctor to bring it down through lifestyle changes, medication, or both. This single action prevents more strokes than anything else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you have diabetes or prediabetes, controlling your blood sugar protects your blood vessels and significantly reduces stroke risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Get a lipid profile test. High LDL cholesterol should be managed with diet, exercise, and medication if needed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
30 minutes of moderate activity (brisk walking, swimming, cycling) 5 days a week reduces blood pressure, blood sugar, and weight; all stroke risk factors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n