Stroke

What is stroke?

Stroke is a serious health problem affecting millions of people worldwide, including many Africans. According to the world health organization (WHO), stroke is one of the leading causes of death and disability in Africa. In Ghana, Nigeria, and South Africa, stroke cases have been rising due to lifestyle changes, poor diet, and lack of medical checkups.

A stroke happens when blood stops flowing properly to the brain. This can happen because of a blockage (blood clot) or when a blood vessel bursts. When this occurs, the brain doesn’t get enough oxygen, and within minutes, brain cells start to die. If not treated immediately, stroke can cause long-term disability or even death. The good news is that stroke can be prevented, and knowing the signs can help save lives.

Types of stroke?

There are three main types of stroke:

  • Transient ischemic attack (TIA): Also called a “mini-stroke,” this happens when there is a temporary blockage in the blood flow to the brain. Symptoms disappear within 24 hours, but it’s a warning sign of a possible full-blown stroke.
  • Ischemic stroke: This is the most common type of stroke, occurring when a blood clot blocks a vessel supplying blood to the brain. It can cause permanent damage if not treated immediately.
  • Hemorrhagic stroke: This happens when a blood vessel bursts, causing bleeding in the brain. It is often linked to high blood pressure or overuse of certain medications.

How common is stroke in Africa?

  • Stroke is responsible for about 86 deaths per 100,000 people in sub-Saharan Africa.
  • In Nigeria, about 200,000 cases of stroke are reported annually, and the survival rate is low due to late hospital visits.
  • In Ghana, stroke is one of the leading causes of hospital admissions among adults.
  • The risk of stroke is increasing due to high blood pressure (hypertension), diabetes, obesity, and unhealthy eating habits.

Signs and symptoms of stroke?

Recognizing the signs of a stroke early can save a life.

Use the “FAST” method to identify stroke:

  • F – Face drooping: One side of the face may appear weak or droop.
  • A – Arm weakness: The person may not be able to raise both arms evenly.
  • S – Speech difficulty: They may have slurred speech or difficulty speaking.
  • T – Time to call for help: If you see any of these signs, rush the person to the hospital immediately!

Other symptoms include:

  • Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg (especially on one side of the body)
  • Difficulty speaking or understanding speech
  • Blurred or double vision
  • Sudden severe headache
  • Dizziness or loss of balance

Risk factors: Who is more likely to have a stroke?

Certain factors increase the chances of having a stroke. Some of these are within your control, while others are not.

Lifestyle risk factors (things you can change):

  • Poor diet high in salt, fat, and cholesterol
  • Lack of exercise
  • Heavy alcohol consumption
  • Smoking or use of tobacco products
  • Stress and lack of proper rest

Health risk factors (things you can manage with medical care):

  • High blood pressure (hypertension)
  • Diabetes
  • High cholesterol
  • Obesity
  • Heart disease

Uncontrollable risk factors:

  • Family history of stroke
  • Age (Risk increases after 55 years, but young people are also at risk)
  • Gender (Women are more likely to have a stroke than men)
  • Race (Africans are at higher risk due to genetics and lifestyle factors)

Complications of stroke?

A stroke can lead to serious long-term health problems, including:

  • Paralysis or muscle weakness on one side of the body
  • Speech and communication problems
  • Memory loss and difficulty thinking
  • Depression and emotional changes
  • Loss of bladder or bowel control

These complications can be managed through:

  • Medication (to prevent further strokes)
  • Physical therapy (to regain movement and strength)
  • Speech therapy (to improve communication)
  • Counseling (to manage depression and emotional changes)

Prevention: How can you lower your risk?

While some risk factors cannot be changed, you can take steps to reduce your chances of having a stroke:

  • Check your blood pressure regularly: High blood pressure is a silent killer! Get it checked at least once a year.
  • Eat a balanced diet: Reduce salt, fried foods, and processed meats. Eat more vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.
  • Exercise regularly: Simple activities like walking, dancing, or playing football can help keep your heart healthy.
  • Drink alcohol in moderation: Heavy drinking increases your risk of stroke.
  • Quit smoking: Tobacco damages blood vessels and raises blood pressure.
  • Manage stress: Try relaxation methods such as prayer, meditation, and spending time with loved ones.
  • Take prescribed medication: If you have diabetes or high blood pressure, take your medicine as advised by your doctor.

How is stroke diagnosed?

Doctors use several methods to confirm if a person has had a stroke:

  • CT scan: A special X-ray that takes pictures of the brain to check for bleeding or blockage.
  • MRI scan: A detailed image of the brain to find damaged areas.
  • Blood tests: To check sugar levels, cholesterol, and clotting problems.

Treatment: What happens after a stroke?

Treatment depends on the type of stroke:

  • For ischemic stroke (caused by blockage): Doctors use clot-breaking medicine to restore blood flow.
  • For Hemorrhagic stroke (caused by bleeding): Medications help control bleeding and reduce pressure in the brain.
  • Surgery: In some cases, surgery is needed to remove a clot or repair a broken blood vessel.

Rehabilitation and recovery?

Many stroke survivors need rehabilitation to regain their abilities. This may include:

  • Speech therapy: To help with communication difficulties.
  • Physical therapy: To restore movement and balance.
  • Cognitive therapy: To improve memory and thinking skills.

Recovery can take months or even years, but with the right support, stroke survivors can regain independence and live fulfilling lives.