Expert makes case for proper management of stroke

Dr Peter Alabi, Chief Medical Director of University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, has made case for the proper management of stroke. This according to him is essential to reduce the risk of subsequent episodes.

He made this call while speaking at a at the Health Week organised by the Knights of Saint Mulumba, Gwagwalada sub-council.

He defined stroke as a condition where the brain cells die because of lack of oxygen, adding that it could be caused by an obstruction of flow of blood or the rupture of an artery that feeds the brain.”

“The risk factors of the disease include hypertension, diabetes mellitus, high cholesterol, cardiac disease, alcohol, obesity, age as well as family history,” he said.

“Education of the patient and the family about stroke and its consequences is an important step of rehabilitation and it begins as soon as a patient is medically stable,’’ he said.

“People should avoid excess alcohol and smoking of cigarettes because they have a lot of effects on the body system, especially on the heart and brain.”