The stroke quadrangle

The stroke quadrangle comprises an integrated system of four parts:^1-3

• Epidemiological surveillance – to study trends and risk factors.
• Community-based health promotion and disease prevention programmes – to reduce the incidence of stroke.
• Accessible and well-equipped acute stroke care facilities – to treat stroke when it occurs and reduce the associated mortality.
• Neurorehabilitation centres and services – to reduce the disability burden after stroke and improve quality of life for patients.

References:

1. Feigin VL, Owolabi MO. Pragmatic solutions to reduce the global burden of stroke: a World Stroke Organization – Lancet Neurology commission. Lancet Neurol 2023; 22 (12): 1160–1206.

2. Akinyemi RO, Ovbiagele B, Adeniji OA, et al. Stroke in Africa: profile, progress, prospects and priorities. Nat Rev Neurol 2021; 17 (10): 634–656.

3. Owolabi MO. Taming the burgeoning stroke epidemic in Africa: stroke quadrangle to the rescue. West Indian Med J 2011; 60 (4): 412–421.