In this video, Akin Ojagbemi, MBBS, PhD, MSc, emphasizes the global burden of neurobehavioral consequences of stroke and the distress it causes to patients and their families. The global high prevalence of post-stroke depression and post-stroke anxiety presents itself with an even higher burden in sub-Saharan Africa, attributed to inefficient acute care and a higher incidence of comorbidities.
Dr. Akin Ojagbemi also highlights that both post-stroke depression and post-stroke anxiety are highly treatable, as they respond well to antidepressants and psychosocial interventions. However, he underscores a crucial gap in healthcare: many stroke survivors suffering from these conditions remain undiagnosed and untreated due to a lack of screening tools, which causes many patients to be unable to receive treatment.
Related content
The pathology of ischaemic stroke is complex, but commonly involves the formation of a clot that travels in the blood to or within the brain and becomes lodged in the blood vessels of the brain (a thromboembolism), which can reduce or block blood flow (an occlusion).
Post-stroke fatigue is an under-recognized NPS, which healthcare professionals should anticipate in patients.
Emotional lability describes episodes of involuntary and uncontrollable crying and/or laughing, outside of socially appropriate circumstances and when it is incongruent with the patient’s emotional state.