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Stroke

Author's details

  • Hakim A Abubakre
  • BA (Hons) International Business Management, Msc Digital Marketing.

Reviewer's details

  • Dr. Khashau Eleburuike
  • MBBS (Ilorin) MSc. Global Health Karolinska Institute.
  • Resident doctor in family medicine in Northen Sweden.
  • Date Published: 2025-06-14
  • Date Updated: 2025-06-14

Stroke

Introduction

🧠 What is Stroke?

A stroke happens when blood stops flowing to a part of the brain. The brain needs blood to work. Without blood, brain cells die quickly. This can make the body stop working properly.

Discussion

⚠️ What Causes Stroke?

  1. Blocked Blood Vessel (Ischemic Stroke)
    • A clot blocks the blood going to the brain.
    • This is the most common kind.
  2. Burst Blood Vessel (Hemorrhagic Stroke)
    • A blood vessel breaks and bleeds in the brain.

 

🔍 Who Can Get a Stroke?

Anyone can get a stroke, but it is more common in:

  • People over 40 years
  • People with high blood pressure (BP)
  • People with diabetes
  • People who smoke
  • People who drink too much alcohol
  • People who do not exercise
  • People who eat too much salt, oil, or fatty food

 

⚠️ Warning Signs of Stroke – Remember “FAST”

Sign What to Look For
F – Face One side of the face drops. The person cannot smile properly.
A – Arms One arm is weak. The person cannot raise both arms.
S – Speech Speech is slurred. Hard to understand words.
T – Time Act fast. Get to hospital or clinic quickly. Time saves life and brain!

 

🏥 What to Do If Someone Has a Stroke

  • Take the person to the hospital or health center immediately
  • Do not give food, water, or medicine until a health worker checks them
  • Do not wait at home or try local herbs first — every minute matters!

 

🚫 What Stroke Is NOT

  • Stroke is not a spiritual attack
  • Stroke is not a curse
  • Stroke is a medical emergency, like a heart problem or an accident

 

💪🏿 How to Prevent Stroke

  1. Check your blood pressure often
    • Go to a clinic even if you feel well.
  2. Eat healthy food
    • More fruit, vegetables, less salt and palm oil.
  3. Do not smoke or chew tobacco
  4. Drink less alcohol
    • Or stop completely.
  5. Exercise daily
    • Walk, farm, sweep, dance – keep moving.
  6. Take your medicine
    • If the doctor gives you medicine for BP or diabetes, take it every day.

 

❤️ Life After Stroke

Some people get better after a stroke, others may have:

  • Weakness in the body
  • Trouble speaking
  • Memory loss

Rehabilitation and family support help a lot. Be patient and encourage the person.

 

🧕🏿👨🏿‍🦱 Community Tips

  • Help stroke survivors walk, talk, and eat safely
  • Do not shame or blame them
  • Support them with love and care
  • Join local stroke support groups if available

 

📞 Where to Get Help

  • Visit your nearest clinic or health post
  • Some larger hospitals have physiotherapists to help after stroke
  • Faith-based health centers often offer affordable care
References
  1. World Health Organization (WHO) – Stroke Fact Sheet, 2023
  2. World Stroke Organization – Awareness Toolkit
  3. Ogeng’o, J.A. et al. (2021). Stroke in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Review. East African Medical Journal.
  4. Ministry of Health Guidelines – Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya Stroke Management Plans