“If you have high blood pressure that is left unattended to, you are potentially risking a stroke,” he warned.
Stroke prevalence is worsening in Nigeria, a neurologist has warned, linking the surge to economic hardship, unaffordable hypertension drugs, harmful myths, and unhealthy lifestyles.
Professor Frank Imarhiagbe, Head of the Stroke Unit at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, described stroke as “prevalent and getting worse because of the risk factors.”
He explained, “The majority of stroke patients, two-thirds of them, have one of these modifiable risk factors.”
Uncontrolled hypertension remains the leading cause. “If you have high blood pressure that is left unattended to, you are potentially risking a stroke,” he warned.
Economic challenges mean many patients skip treatment. “People can no longer afford to buy their drugs,” he said.
Professor Imarhiagbe also highlighted cultural barriers and myths that delay hospital visits. “When it comes to stroke, time is gain,” he stressed. “Most patients, especially most Africans, present very late.” He urged urgent government intervention to equip hospitals with CT and MRI scanners.
He issued a clear call to action: “Report to the hospital immediately! Don’t go to a chemist shop. Don’t apply local remedies. Don’t become a doctor that you are not overnight.” He warned that Nigeria faces a looming public health crisis if these challenges go unaddressed.