A stroke can happen in just a few moments. This medical emergency occurs when the flow of blood to a portion of the brain is suddenly interrupted, which may happen due to a blocked blood vessel, resulting in an ischaemic stroke, or the rupture of a blood vessel, known as a haemorrhagic stroke. Without an adequate blood supply, the brain cells may start to die within just minutes.
The brain is responsible for controlling almost all bodily functions, including movement, speech, memory, vision, and emotions. The consequences of a stroke largely depend on the area of the brain that is affected; it can lead to lasting paralysis, speech difficulties, vision impairment, cognitive issues, or changes in personality. In some severe circumstances, strokes can be fatal.
Recognizing the warning signs of a stroke and acting quickly could mean the difference between complete recovery and long-lasting disability. Many people erroneously think that strokes primarily affect the elderly or view them as issues that do not concern them personally. The truth is that strokes can strike anyone, including women, often in ways that are less obvious and more easily ignored, which can make them even more perilous.
In Nigeria, stroke ranks among the top causes of death and long-term disability. A 2025 study indicates that the prevalence of stroke in Nigeria varies from 0.36% to 13.31 per 1,000 individuals. Despite these worrying statistics, numerous people who experience warning signals hesitate to seek assistance, sometimes delaying care for hours. Such delays can jeopardize lives or result in irreversible impacts on an individual's quality of life.
How can one identify the early indicators of a stroke?
In the medical field, we utilize the acronym FAST as a straightforward reference point.
F — Face drooping. Is one side of the face sagging or numb? Ask the person to smile. Is the smile uneven?
A — Arm weakness. Is one arm feeling weak or numb? Request that the individual raises both arms. Does one arm fall?
S — Speech difficulty. Is the person’s speech slurred, unusual, or hard to comprehend? Can they accurately repeat a simple sentence?
T — Time to call for help. If you notice any of these signs, react without delay.
In addition to FAST, further symptoms to be aware of include a sudden severe headache with no definite cause (often described as 'the worst headache of my life'), sudden confusion or difficulty in understanding spoken language, sudden vision issues in one or both eyes, sudden loss of balance or coordination, and dizziness or trouble walking.
If you or someone nearby is experiencing any of these symptoms, urgently get to a medical facility.
Why women must be particularly vigilant:
Though strokes impact both genders, women encounter specific risk factors that are frequently ignored. The stages of pregnancy and the postpartum period can elevate the risk of stroke. Certain hormonal contraceptives, especially in women who smoke or have migraines with aura, pose additional dangers. Migraines with aura themselves are recognized as a risk factor for strokes. Conditions like preeclampsia, which is characterized by elevated blood pressure during pregnancy, increase the likelihood of stroke even many years post-delivery. Given that women generally have a longer lifespan than men and since stroke risk rises with age, a greater number of women will experience strokes throughout their lives.
Women are also more prone to report non-standard stroke symptoms that fall outside of the classic FAST criteria, including sudden hiccups, nausea, general weakness, or chest discomfort, which can lead to diagnostic delays if healthcare providers do not take these signs seriously.
Several factors drastically raise the likelihood of having a stroke. High blood pressure is the foremost risk factor, but diabetes, high cholesterol, heart-related disorders—especially atrial fibrillation (an irregular heartbeat), smoking, obesity, lack of physical activity, a family history of stroke, sickle cell disease, and excessive alcohol consumption also significantly contribute.
Many of these health issues are preventable or manageable.
How strokes are identified and treated:
When a patient arrives at the hospital with suspected stroke symptoms, time is critical. A dual diagnostic tool, either a CT or MRI brain scan, is executed as soon as possible to identify the type of stroke. For an ischaemic stroke resulting from a clot, a clot-dissolving medication known as tPA can be administered—but only within a designated time frame from when symptoms began. Thus, every second counts.
In the case of a haemorrhagic stroke, the objective of treatment is to control the bleeding and reduce pressure on the brain, which may necessitate surgical intervention. Rehabilitation, involving physiotherapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy, commences as early as possible to aid patients in regaining functionality.
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and lowering your risk of stroke is crucial. You should not wait for a stroke to occur before taking these preventive measures seriously. Effective prevention begins with monitoring your health parameters: blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol. Ensuring these values remain within healthy limits is essential.
A balanced diet is vital for vascular health. Include nutrient-dense foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Traditional Nigerian meals, like ogi with fish, efo riro loaded with leafy greens, moi-moi, and grilled fish accompanied by vegetables, are excellent for cardiovascular health. Remember to minimize salt consumption, avoid processed foods where possible, and use palm oil sparingly.
Regular physical exercise is critical as well; aim for 30 minutes of brisk walking on most days. Enjoyable physical activities such as dancing and playing with children count too, so choose what suits your lifestyle best. Managing stress is essential too, as chronic stress can elevate blood pressure and inflammation. Prioritize rest and consider incorporating practices such as prayer, meditation, and maintaining social connections.
If you smoke, strive to quit. If your alcohol consumption is heavy, contemplate reducing it. Additionally, if you are using contraceptives and have migraines or high blood pressure, discuss with your doctor the safest options for your circumstances.
After a stroke: Recovery and support:
Stroke survivors and their families frequently feel overwhelmed in the aftermath. Although recovery is feasible, it requires patience, consistent effort, and the right support. Early rehabilitation has been proven to significantly enhance recovery prospects.
As a consultant cardiologist, I am acutely aware of the connection between heart and brain health. Many conditions that harm the heart, including high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, and high cholesterol, are also the same conditions that lead to strokes. Caring for your cardiovascular health is fundamentally equivalent to taking care of your brain.
For more information regarding stroke risk assessment and cardiovascular care, please contact the Lagos Executive Cardiovascular Centre.
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