Leading neurologists have raised fresh concerns over Nigeria’s growing burden of brain diseases, revealing that at least one Nigerian develops a stroke every minute as the country grapples with a severe shortage of specialists, inadequate diagnostic facilities and limited access to neurological care.
The warning comes as the global community marks World Brain Day on July 22 under the theme, “Brain Health for All.” Experts say Nigeria is facing an escalating neurological crisis driven by stroke, dementia, epilepsy, traumatic brain injuries, neonatal encephalopathy, migraine and other disorders, many of which could be prevented through healthier lifestyles and early medical intervention.
Professor Mayowa Owolabi, a neurologist and precision medicine specialist at the University of Ibadan, described the situation as alarming, noting that stroke remains the leading cause of brain disease in Nigeria.
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“Every minute at least one Nigerian is developing a stroke, which is really quite alarming,” he said.
According to Owolabi, Nigeria has barely 400 neurologists and neurosurgeons serving a population of more than 250 million, leaving millions without timely access to specialist care. He added that shortages also exist among physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists and other rehabilitation professionals needed to manage neurological conditions.
He explained that while neurological disorders affect about 3.4 billion people globally, nearly 60 to 80 per cent of strokes and about 45 per cent of dementia cases could be prevented through lifestyle modifications, regular medical screening and effective management of underlying conditions such as hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol.
The stroke expert warned that uncontrolled hypertension remains the biggest contributor to stroke in Nigeria, alongside smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, obesity, sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy diets rich in trans fats and ultra-processed foods.
He encouraged Nigerians to embrace traditional diets rich in fruits and green leafy vegetables, maintain regular physical activity, avoid tobacco and excessive alcohol intake, and undergo routine screening for chronic illnesses.
Owolabi also highlighted delays in emergency treatment, explaining that many patients either fail to recognise stroke symptoms early or first seek help from traditional and faith healers before eventually presenting at hospitals when complications have worsened.
Professor Ikenna Onwuekwe of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, said Nigeria is battling a triple burden of neurological diseases comprising rising non-communicable diseases such as stroke, post-infectious complications from meningitis and malnutrition-related brain disorders.
He noted that stroke is increasingly affecting younger Nigerians, with untreated hypertension identified as the leading risk factor.
The neurologists urged governments to expand specialist training, improve access to diagnostic services, strengthen health insurance coverage for neurological conditions and intensify nationwide awareness campaigns on brain health.
They maintained that healthier lifestyles, early diagnosis and prompt treatment remain the most effective ways to reduce the burden of stroke and other neurological disorders in Nigeria.
