Stroke in Young Persons, Now Becoming an Epidemic
As part of measures to check the rising cases of stroke in young people, an Abuja based neurological surgeon, Dr. Biodun Ogungbo has urged young people including adolescent and youths to check their blood pressure regularly.
In an interview, Ogungbo explained that this advice has become necessary based on the usual assumption that high blood pressure is a medical condition that afflicts the elderly.
On the contrary, theneurological surgeon affirmed that such regular check could detect an unusually high blood pressure with a view to prevent stoke and other non-communicable diseases (NCDS).
While confirming that people in the younger age bracket are coming down with stroke, Ogungbo said the reason why young people develop stroke and even die is unknown for now.
“Critical research has not been done to see why young people have stroke.
The real reason is still unknown whether it is diabetes, lifestyle, or hypertension and body fat.” However, he said apart from young people that are suffering and dying from stroke, it is also rampant in pregnant women.
A stroke occurs when the blood supply to part of your brain is interrupted or severely reduced, depriving brain tissue of oxygen and nutrients.
Within minutes, brain cells begin to die. A stroke is a medical emergency. Prompt treatment is crucial. Early action can minimise brain damage.
According to the World Health Organiaation (WHO) and data available from experts worldwide, about 17 million people suffer a stroke every year.
Of these, at least 200,000 strokes occur in Nigeria alone yearly.
A stroke can occur at any age, stroke in young adults is a major public health problem but there are steps that can be taken to reduce the risk.
According to Ogungbo who is presently managing a 45-year-old stroke patient, he had cared for a 15-year-old patient diagnosed with stroke two years ago.
Considering that stroke is not curable, the neurological surgeon said it was better to prevent the condition Highlighting other things that could be done to prevent stroke, he said exercise was also important as it can prevent stroke.
“Exercise can make the body system to be more active and also makes the heart work better; it also reduces body weight.
“When it comes to preventing stroke, exercise is one of the best ways to prevent it,” he added.
On the role of individual to prevent it, he said each person and family must take responsibility for their own prevention.
The neurological surgeon stated that people must watch what they eat.
He said: “Eating large portion of food is very bad; too much body fat and high level cholesterol is not good either.
Also, eating heavy food late at night isn’t healthy.” He noted that rising cases of stroke has reached epidemic level, adding that the best to do was to start preventing it now.
“Doctors can prevent it by creating awareness for people to change some of their negative lifestyle including smoking and excessive consumption of alcohol.
By: Rukayat Olufowobi
New Telegraph News
