Experts raise alarm over rising stroke cases among young Nigerians

Medical experts have expressed concern over the increasing incidence of stroke in Nigeria, warning that the condition is no longer confined to older adults as more young Nigerians are being diagnosed with the life-threatening disease.

Neurologists say stroke now affects an estimated one Nigerian every minute, with a growing number of patients under the age of 40 presenting at hospitals across the country.

Speaking on the trend, Professor of Internal Medicine and Neurology at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Prof. Ikenna Onwuekwe, said the rise in cases among younger people has become a major public health concern.

According to him, what specialists now describe as “stroke in the young” is becoming increasingly common, with untreated hypertension identified as the leading cause.

“People tend to think that stroke is a disease of older individuals, but these days, we are seeing the rate to be quite high among young people. That’s what we call stroke in the young, when it occurs in people less than 40 years. The largest driver for this is untreated hypertension,” he said.

Health experts noted that recent regional and global studies indicate that nearly one in four stroke patients in sub-Saharan Africa is now below the age of 50, reflecting a shift in the disease’s demographic pattern.

Medical professionals explained that hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, remains the most significant preventable risk factor for stroke. Because the condition often develops without noticeable symptoms, many people are unaware they have high blood pressure until they suffer a stroke.

Experts attributed the growing number of cases among younger adults to unhealthy lifestyles, including excessive salt consumption, sedentary habits, high stress levels, poor dietary choices and the failure to undergo regular medical check-ups.

They also identified delayed presentation at hospitals and a shortage of specialist healthcare professionals, including neurologists, neurosurgeons and rehabilitation experts, as major factors limiting effective treatment and recovery.

The specialists called on federal and state governments to intensify public awareness campaigns on hypertension and stroke prevention while expanding access to affordable blood pressure screening and treatment services.

They also urged Nigerians to adopt healthier lifestyles by monitoring their blood pressure regularly, reducing salt intake, engaging in routine physical exercise and seeking prompt medical attention whenever symptoms such as sudden weakness, facial drooping, difficulty speaking or loss of balance occur.

According to the experts, early detection and proper management of hypertension remain the most effective ways to reduce the growing burden of stroke, particularly among young adults.