Chinwe Odita
As the world marks World Stroke Day today, October 29, 2026, the Brain & Spine Foundation Africa, BSFA, has called on Nigerians to learn how to recognise stroke symptoms, control risk factors and seek emergency care without delay.
In a message to mark the day, titled “What Everyone Needs To Know About Stroke”, the Executive Director of the Foundation, Engr. Chika Okwuolisa, said stroke remains a medical emergency where every minute counts, yet public understanding remains low.
“Anyone can have a stroke. You do not need to be a doctor to recognize a stroke, but knowing what to do could save a life,” Okwuolisa said.
She explained that stroke occurs when blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted or when a blood vessel in the brain ruptures and bleeds, noting that brain cells can begin to die within minutes.
She said that there are two major types — ischaemic stroke, caused by a blood clot or blockage, which is the most common, and haemorrhagic stroke, caused by bleeding from a burst vessel.
The Foundation identified high blood pressure as one of the leading risk factors, alongside diabetes, high cholesterol, smoking, heart conditions like atrial fibrillation, physical inactivity, unhealthy diets, excessive alcohol use, and previous stroke or transient ischaemic attack (TIA).
“Many people may have high blood pressure or another risk factor without any symptoms.
That is why regular health checks matter,” the Foundation noted.
BSFA urged the public to remember the FAST test:
– F – Face: Does one side droop when smiling?
– A – Arms: Does one arm drift down when both are raised?
– S – Speech: Is speech slurred or confused?
– T – Time: Seek emergency care immediately and note when symptoms started.
Other warning signs include sudden vision loss, weakness or numbness on one side, difficulty walking, dizziness, confusion, or a sudden severe headache.
The Foundation advised Nigerians to call emergency services immediately, record time of onset, keep the person safe, and not give food, water, aspirin or herbal remedies, or assume the person is drunk or tired.
“Do not wait to see whether symptoms will go away. Time is of essence,” she warned, adding that some patients may benefit from clot-dissolving medication or clot-removal procedures if they present early.
On prevention, BSFA urged Nigerians to know their blood pressure, manage diabetes and cholesterol, eat a balanced diet, stay physically active, avoid tobacco, limit alcohol, attend regular health checks and take prescribed medicines consistently.
It also highlighted the challenges faced by survivors, who may experience difficulty walking, speaking, swallowing, remembering or performing daily activities, and called for improved rehabilitation services including physiotherapy, speech therapy and psychological support.
“At Brain & Spine Foundation Africa, we believe brain health deserves greater attention, stroke prevention must be a public health priority, and every person affected by stroke deserves dignity, compassionate care and opportunity to recover,” Okwuolisa said.
The Foundation noted that in Nigeria and across Africa, myths and stigma still cause delays in seeking care, and called for stronger emergency systems, accessible diagnostic services, equipped stroke units and policies that protect patients and families.
It concluded with a call to action: “Learn the signs. Control the risks. Act FAST. Support Survivors,” urging Nigerians to share the message with families, workplaces, churches, mosques and community groups.
For a better society
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