Today October 29 2017 is World Stroke Day!
Do you know that technically a stroke is called a
cerebrovascular accident (CVA)? Do you also know that in several parts of the
world, it is also called a ‘brain attack ’ in order to draw attention to the
medical and neurological emergency that it is?
Some epidemiology of
stroke
It is the 2nd commonest cause of death worldwide
and the leading cause of disability worldwide. Low and middle income countries
(Nigeria is one of the former) account for the largest burden of stroke
mortality (> 85%). There are some regional variations in the pattern of stroke
presentation.
Ischaemic stroke (due
to obstruction of blood supply to the brain) is much commoner than the haemorrhagic
type (due to bleeding into the brain). However intracerebral haemorrhage (a
subtype of haemorrhagic stroke) is most commonly seen in Africa than in other
regions. In Africa, some data show that southern African countries tend to have
these bleeds more than other parts of the continent.
Stroke is the leading cause of medical admissions in Enugu
and is second in Nnewi. It is the 2nd commonest disorder seen in the
Neurology clinic in UNTH Enugu, after epilepsy.
Common risk factors
for stroke
Worldwide and in Nigeria, the commonest preventable risk
factor for all stroke types is hypertension, but more so for intracerebral
haemorrhage than ischaemic and especially in people < 45 years. Other preventable
risk factors include diabetes mellitus, obesity, smoking, high cholesterol and
alcoholism.
Of recent, conditions such as HIV and certain nutritional
deficiencies have come to play increasing roles in causing stroke in our
people.
There are non-preventable risk factors such as black race,
male sex, genetics (such as sickle cell disease) and age > 65years amongst
others.
Recognizing early
signs of stroke
This is cardinal as very early presentation of stroke can
make the difference between life and death. In some cases, use of clot busters
such as streptokinase can result in complete recovery of functions. Thus it is important
to everybody to be able to recognize the beginnings of a stroke. The acronym
FAST has been developed to help in this with attention being called to
observing the Face, Arms, Speech and Time to act. The attached poster for the
World Stroke Day beautifully captures this.
Managing stroke
Stroke is best attended to as early as possible because ‘Time
is Neurones’! All cases of stroke are best managed by Neurologists where
available. Such patients do very well when managed in stroke units with the
benefit of having multidisciplinary care involving other professionals
including physiotherapists, nurses, occupational therapists etc.
It has been shown by studies that consumption of more fish
and fruits (but not vegetables) is associated with a reduced risk of stroke.
As we celebrate this day to highlight the great dangers
inherent in a stroke, please do well to live a healthy lifestyle, check your
blood pressure regularly, eat more fish and fruits, quit smoking, keep fit and
see your neurologist at the first suspicion of a change in speech, use of
limbs, appearance of the face or consciousness.
May stroke not fall
on you!
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