Olivier Uwishema1,2,3, Christin Berjaoui1,4, Inês F Silva Correia1,5, Heeba Anis1,6,7, Ece Karabulut1,3, Dina Essayli1,8, Melissa Mhanna1,9, Adekunbi Oluyemisi1,10. 1. Oli Health Magazine Organization, Research and Education, Kigali, Rwanda. 2. Clinton Global Initiative University, New York, New York, USA. 3. Faculty of Medicine, Karadeniz Technical University, Trabzon, Turkey. 4. Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, Beirut Arab University, Beirut, Lebanon. 5. School of Medicine, Faculty of Health, Medicine, Education, and Social Care, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, UK. 6. Deccan College of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad, India. 7. Medtech Innovator, Riga Technical University, Riga, Latvia. 8. Faculty of Medicine, Lebanese University, Beirut, Lebanon. 9. Faculty of Medicine, Saint Joseph University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon. 10. School of Public and Allied Health, Babcock University, Ilishan-Remo, Nigeria.
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Acute ischemic stroke is one of the leading causes of disability and mortality globally, with increasing incidence in Africa, as the continent is already burdened with infectious diseases. Rapid diagnosis and efficient treatment are crucial, as even a slight delay in reperfusing the brain significantly affects the recovery outcome. Neuroimaging is vital for optimal care and thrombolytic or endovascular therapy in specialized stroke care units. This review aims to discuss the burden of acute ischemic stroke in Africa and how health care systems have tried to reduce the incidence and improve outcomes for the disease. METHODS: Data were collected through the online databases PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, and Embase. All articles related to acute ischemic stroke in Africa were considered. RESULTS: The medical care for acute ischemic stroke in Africa is far from optimal, with little adherence to recommended protocols. There is a lack of public awareness of the disease, imaging infrastructure, personnel, stroke care units, and recovery facilities due to poor funding. Poor knowledge of stroke signs and symptoms results in delay in treatment and poor prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: We urge African leaders and private entities to invest in stroke care by building appropriate infrastructures, providing medical equipment, and implementing guidelines and sustainable follow-up systems. Telehealth is a suggested strategy to mitigate the scarcity of health personnel, and international and national efforts to increase treatment affordability should be doubled. Further extensive research on the impact of acute ischemic stroke on the African population is encouraged.
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Acute ischemic stroke is one of the leading causes of disability and mortality globally, with increasing incidence in Africa, as the continent is already burdened with infectious diseases. Rapid diagnosis and efficient treatment are crucial, as even a slight delay in reperfusing the brain significantly affects the recovery outcome. Neuroimaging is vital for optimal care and thrombolytic or endovascular therapy in specialized stroke care units. This review aims to discuss the burden of acute ischemic stroke in Africa and how health care systems have tried to reduce the incidence and improve outcomes for the disease. METHODS: Data were collected through the online databases PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, ScienceDirect, and Embase. All articles related to acute ischemic stroke in Africa were considered. RESULTS: The medical care for acute ischemic stroke in Africa is far from optimal, with little adherence to recommended protocols. There is a lack of public awareness of the disease, imaging infrastructure, personnel, stroke care units, and recovery facilities due to poor funding. Poor knowledge of stroke signs and symptoms results in delay in treatment and poor prognosis. CONCLUSIONS: We urge African leaders and private entities to invest in stroke care by building appropriate infrastructures, providing medical equipment, and implementing guidelines and sustainable follow-up systems. Telehealth is a suggested strategy to mitigate the scarcity of health personnel, and international and national efforts to increase treatment affordability should be doubled. Further extensive research on the impact of acute ischemic stroke on the African population is encouraged.
Authors: Anushree Rai; Olivier Uwishema; Lama Uweis; Rayyan El Saleh; Sara Arab; Mortada Abbass; Jack Wellington; Felix Musabirema; Irem Adanur; Chinyere Vivian Patrick Onyeaka Journal: Ann Med Surg (Lond) Date: 2022-09-06
Authors: Olivier Uwishema; Jack Wellington; Christin Berjaoui; Kamsi Olivia Muoka; Chinyere Vivian Patrick Onyeaka; Helen Onyeaka Journal: Ann Med Surg (Lond) Date: 2022-09-08
Authors: Olivier Uwishema; Suhail Sapkota; Jack Wellington; Chinyere Vivian Patrick Onyeaka; Helen Onyeaka Journal: Ann Med Surg (Lond) Date: 2022-07-31
Authors: Jack Wellington; Ayça Nur; Aderinto Nicholas; Olivier Uwishema; Hassan Chaito; Olutola Awosiku; Yusuf Jaafer Al Tarawneh; Jana Abdul Nasser Sharafeddine; Chinyere Vivian Patrick Onyeaka; Helen Onyeaka Journal: Ann Med Surg (Lond) Date: 2022-08-18