Studies show that Kenyans are experiencing strokes as early as 16 years, raising concern among health professionals. A stroke occurs either when blood flow to the brain is blocked—known as an ischemic stroke—or when there is sudden bleeding in the brain, referred to as a haemorrhagic stroke. According to the U.S. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), nearly 90% of strokes are ischemic.

The brain is divided into two hemispheres, with each side controlling the opposite side of the body. Thus, a stroke in the right hemisphere often causes weakness or paralysis on the left side of the body, and vice versa.

Scope and Impact in Kenya

Strokes are the leading cause of disability and death in Kenya, placing a heavy burden on patients, caregivers, and the healthcare system. A recent study by the Stroke Association of Kenya (SAoK), conducted at the Kenyatta National Hospital and the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, provides important data.

• Ischemic strokes account for 56% of cases, making them the most common type in Kenya.
• Hemiplegia (paralysis on one side of the body) occurs in 40.5% of cases.
• Gender distribution shows 57.6% of patients are female, and 42.4% are male.

Mortality Rates Post-Stroke

The study outlines the following mortality rates among stroke patients:

• 18% died within 10 days
• 8.4% by day 28
• 10.6% by the third month
• 5.4% by the sixth month
• 1.6% after nine months

Alarming Trend Among the Youth

An increasing number of stroke cases are being reported in individuals under 45, driven by a mix of lifestyle and health factors:

• Lifestyle risks: sedentary behaviour, poor diets high in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats, smoking, excessive alcohol use, and drug abuse (including cocaine, heroin, and methamphetamines).
• Chronic health conditions: poorly managed hypertension, rising diabetes rates, obesity, high cholesterol, congenital heart disease, atrial fibrillation, and blood disorders like sickle cell disease.
• Mental health: stress and untreated mental health conditions are also contributing to stroke risk.

Challenges in Stroke Management

While acute stroke care is available in major hospitals, post-discharge rehabilitation is limited. Stroke management typically requires expensive diagnostic tools, such as MRI scans. Treatment involves stabilising blood flow (e.g., thrombolytics for ischemic stroke), physiotherapy, occupational therapy, and long-term follow-up to prevent recurrence.