Nigerian Society of Neurological Sciences calls for better stroke care coordination

The Nigerian Society of Neurological Sciences advocates for better coordination in stroke treatment across all healthcare levels in the country to reduce disabilities and fatalities

 

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Nigerian Society of Neurological Sciences (NSNS) has called for improved coordination in stroke treatment across all levels of healthcare facilities in Nigeria.

Also read: Global breast cancer cases to surge by 38% by 2050, WHO warns

This call was made during the 57th Annual Scientific Conference and General Meeting of the NSNS, which took place in Benin City, Edo State.

The conference, with the theme “Managing Cerebrovascular Accidents in Nigeria: Overcoming Challenges with Collaborative Efforts,” brought together a wide range of healthcare professionals, including neurologists, neurosurgeons, pediatric neurologists, psychiatrists, neuroradiologists, and other neuroscientists from across the country.

The NSNS stressed the importance of an integrated healthcare system that enables smooth stroke management from initial diagnosis at primary healthcare centers to advanced treatment at tertiary hospitals.

The society highlighted that many stroke patients in Nigeria fail to receive timely treatment due to late presentation, which often makes them ineligible for life-saving interventions.

The NSNS, through a communiqué signed by its President, Prof. Morenikeji Komolafe, and Secretary, Dr. Emmanuel Iwuozo, explained that a coordinated approach would significantly improve early recognition of stroke symptoms, streamline referrals, and enhance access to critical interventions.

They further emphasized that late presentation is one of the key reasons why many stroke patients miss out on treatment and effective rehabilitation.

By focusing on early diagnosis and intervention, stroke-related disabilities and fatalities can be significantly reduced.

One of the critical recommendations made by the NSNS is the need for better investment in diagnostic tools essential for accurate stroke diagnosis.

These tools, such as Computerized Tomography (CT) scans, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), and transcranial Doppler ultrasound scans, are crucial for timely and accurate diagnosis, which ultimately plays a significant role in determining the course of treatment and improving patient outcomes.

The NSNS also called for greater collaboration among federal, state, and local governments, non-governmental organizations, and private healthcare providers.

A unified effort, they argued, would strengthen stroke care services across the country and create a more effective system for managing cerebrovascular accidents.

The society’s call for action underscores the urgent need for reforms in Nigeria’s stroke care system.

Also read: Lassa fever cases rise in Nigeria: 1,018 infections in 2024

With a coordinated and well-resourced approach, the country can significantly reduce the burden of stroke and improve the quality of life for those affected by this life-threatening condition.