🧠 Men's Health

Stroke Warning Signs — FAST

Recognising a stroke and acting immediately can save a life.

Stroke kills one Nigerian every few minutes and is one of the leading causes of adult disability in Lagos. Every minute a stroke goes untreated, 1.9 million brain cells die. Knowing the warning signs and acting immediately — calling for emergency help within the first hour — makes the difference between full recovery and permanent disability or death.

Signs and Symptoms

✓ Face drooping — one side of the face droops or feels numb. Ask the person to smile — is it uneven?

✓ Arm weakness — one arm is weak or numb. Ask the person to raise both arms — does one drift down?

✓ Speech difficulty — slurred, confused, or unable to speak or understand

✓ Time to call for help — if you see ANY of these signs, act immediately

✓ Sudden severe headache — "thunderclap" headache unlike any previous headache

✓ Sudden vision loss in one or both eyes — or double vision

✓ Sudden loss of balance, coordination, or inability to walk

✓ Sudden confusion or inability to understand what is being said

✓ Sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg — especially on one side

Risk Factors

High blood pressure (hypertension) — the single biggest risk factor for stroke in Nigeria
Atrial fibrillation — irregular heartbeat that causes blood clots to travel to the brain
Diabetes
High cholesterol
Smoking
Obesity and physical inactivity
Heavy alcohol use
Family history of stroke
Sickle cell disease
Previous TIA (transient ischaemic attack / "mini-stroke") — very high risk of subsequent full stroke

When to Seek Help

NowAny FAST symptom — Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty, Time to act. Call emergency services or get to the nearest hospital immediately. Do NOT wait to see if it gets better.

NowTIA (transient ischaemic attack) — symptoms that resolve within minutes. This is a medical emergency because 1 in 10 TIA patients has a full stroke within 48 hours. Go to hospital immediately even if feeling completely normal now.

RoutineIf you have risk factors (high blood pressure, atrial fibrillation, diabetes) — regular management of these conditions prevents stroke. Review with your doctor.

Tests & Diagnosis

🧪 CT Scan of the Brain

Essential in all suspected strokes — distinguishes ischaemic stroke (blood clot) from haemorrhagic stroke (bleed). This determination changes treatment entirely. Must be done urgently.

🧪 ECG

Identifies atrial fibrillation — which requires blood thinning medication to prevent further strokes.

🧪 Blood Tests

Full blood count, glucose, clotting, lipids — to identify contributing factors and guide treatment.

🧪 Carotid Doppler Ultrasound

Detects narrowing of the carotid arteries — treatable surgically to prevent further strokes.

🧪 MRI Brain

More sensitive than CT for early or small strokes, particularly in the brainstem and cerebellum. Used when CT is negative but clinical suspicion is high.

Treatment Options

Act FAST — Time Is Brain

The most effective treatment is arriving at hospital within 4.5 hours of symptom onset for thrombolysis (clot-dissolving medication) to be considered. Every minute matters.

Thrombolysis (Clot-busting medication)

IV alteplase can dissolve the clot causing an ischaemic stroke — but ONLY within 4.5 hours of symptom onset and ONLY if haemorrhagic stroke has been excluded by CT scan. Not available at all Nigerian hospitals.

Blood Pressure Management

After stroke, blood pressure is carefully managed — not aggressively lowered in the first 24 hours (unless very extreme). Long-term control is critical to prevent recurrence.

Antiplatelet or Anticoagulation Treatment

After ischaemic stroke, aspirin or anticoagulants prevent further clots. The choice depends on cause — atrial fibrillation needs anticoagulation (warfarin, NOAC), not just aspirin.

Rehabilitation

Physiotherapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy begun early — within 24 hours if possible — significantly improve outcomes. Recovery continues for months to years.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I see someone having a stroke?

Call for emergency help immediately. Note the time symptoms started. Do NOT give food, water, or medication. Keep the person calm and still. If they become unconscious and are not breathing, begin CPR if you know how.

What is a TIA and is it serious?

A TIA (transient ischaemic attack) is a temporary blockage of blood flow to the brain causing stroke symptoms that resolve within 24 hours (usually within minutes). It is a medical emergency — 10% of TIA patients have a full stroke within 48 hours. Go to hospital immediately.

Can young people have strokes?

Yes. Strokes affect people of all ages. In Nigeria, hypertension, sickle cell disease, and cardiac conditions cause stroke in young adults. Any FAST symptom at any age warrants immediate medical assessment.

How can stroke be prevented?

Treating and controlling hypertension is the most powerful stroke prevention measure. Also: treating atrial fibrillation with anticoagulants, controlling diabetes and cholesterol, not smoking, limiting alcohol, and exercising regularly.

Is recovery from stroke possible?

Yes — many stroke survivors recover significantly with appropriate rehabilitation. Recovery is most rapid in the first 3 months but continues for a year or more. Early, intensive rehabilitation gives the best outcomes.