Dr Alexander Gordons, a Consultant Neurophysiotherapist at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi, has advocated immediate medical attention at the onset of stroke symptoms. Gordons gave the advice in an interview with newsmen in Bauchi on Tuesday, emphasising the importance of prompt intervention in stroke management.
He said understanding the causes, warning signs and rehabilitation of stroke patients was significant to public health, particularly in reducing complications associated with delayed medical intervention.
He explained that stroke occurred when blood supply to part of the brain was interrupted, depriving the affected area of oxygen and causing damage to brain tissue.
According to him, the warning signs of stroke could be remembered through the ‘FAST’ principle, which helps people recognise symptoms and seek immediate medical attention.
“The acronym Face stands for; Arm, Speech and Time.
“The F represented facial weakness or drooping on one side, while ‘A’ indicated weakness of one arm or limb.
“The S is for speech; there will be problems with speech, depending on the side of the brain affected.
“The T is for time to act,” he added.
The medical expert advised family members and relatives to take patients showing such signs to hospital immediately, emphasising that delays could worsen the resulting complications.
Gordons said that early hospital intervention could help reduce the extent of damage caused by stroke, improving the chances of effective treatment and subsequent rehabilitation.
“The faster you get to the hospital, the better the attention the patient will receive. Subsequently, the degree of damage will be less.
“But the longer you stay, the degree of damage will be more,” he said.
He said physiotherapy played a key role in the prevention, management and rehabilitation of stroke patients, helping them regain functions affected by the condition.
The neurophysiotherapist explained that physiotherapy could help patients regain functional abilities and return to work, community life and normal activities after suffering stroke-related impairments.
Gordons said physiotherapy would subsequently form part of the rehabilitation process, helping patients recover lost functions, improve independence and enhance their overall quality of life.