As the global community commemorates World Brain Day tomorrow, July 22, leading neurologists in Nigeria have said that at least one Nigerian develops a stroke every minute, noting that the country remains under-resourced in specialists, infrastructure and diagnostics to prevent, diagnose and treat neurological disorders.
The brain and stroke specialists exclusively told PUNCH Healthwise that stroke was the leading cause of brain disease in Nigeria, with dementia, epilepsy, headaches, neonatal encephalopathy, traumatic brain injuries and other brain conditions accounting for a significant disease burden.
They noted that about 80 per cent of strokes and 45 per cent of dementias were preventable through lifestyle changes and the control of underlying conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol, stating that Nigeria bore a peculiar triple burden of rising non-communicable diseases such as stroke, post-infection complications particularly from meningitis, and malnutrition-related conditions.
They advised Nigerians to eat more fruits and green leafy vegetables, exercise regularly, avoid smoking and alcohol, and undergo routine screening for chronic diseases.
The neurologists called for urgent government action to expand the neurological workforce, extend universal health coverage to neurological conditions, strengthen prevention through public awareness campaigns and early screening, and ensure equitable access to diagnostic services, treatment and rehabilitation across the country.
