160,000 Nigerians Die from Stroke Yearly – Group

An advocacy group on stroke care in Nigeria, Nigeria Stroke Reference Group has said that more than 160,000 Nigerians die from stroke yearly.

In a statement issued by an executive member of the group, Dr Biodun Ogungbo, the group insisted that stoke is the leading cause of disability in the country.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria, Ogungbo said “It is more than malaria and HIV combined and is not truly recognised as a killer.

A stroke is a `brain attack’ and can happen to anyone at any time.

“It occurs when blood flow to an area of brain is cut off and when this happens, brain cells are deprived of oxygen and begin to die.

“When brain cells die during a stroke, abilities controlled by that area of the brain such as memory and muscle power are lost.

“For survivors and their families, the long-term cost, both financial and in terms of quality of life, are often overwhelming.

“The World Stroke Day is a time to raise awareness for the devastating impact, causes and symptoms of stroke.

“As our leader, you must ensure Nigerians understand that stroke is treatable and preventable, as long as citizens arm themselves with the proper diagnostic tools and health information.

“Common stroke symptoms include: sudden weakness of the face, arm, or leg; sudden confusion; trouble speaking or understanding speech and sudden trouble walking or seeing.

“Others include loss of balance; and sudden, severe headache.

Ogungbo added that a brain scan was mandatory and must be performed immediately to see what type of stroke the person has suffered.

He said “Clot bursting drugs can be given to reopen the pipes that are blocked in the brain. In some situations, this leads to immediate recovery from the stroke.

“The clot bursting drugs such as Alteplase, Streptokinase and Urokinase are not readily available.

“Where they are available, they are too expensive for the common man to buy, for the rich who have money to fly out of the country, Europe, America and India are too far to go for a drug that must be administered within three hours.’’