500 Stroke Patients Admitted to IGMH Last Year, Doctor Warns of Rising Cases

According to statistics from IGMH, the hospital stated that 500 people were admitted and treated last year due to stroke. Stroke is a health condition caused by blockage or rupture of blood vessels in the brain, leading to symptoms such as difficulty breathing, paralysis on one side of the face, and difficulty speaking or inability to speak. While speaking on the Raajje Midhu program of PSM News, Dr. Ali Afeef, Consultant Specialist in Neurosurgery at IGMH, stated that stroke cases have increased globally, with the rate increasing by 50 percent. He noted that the risk of having a stroke during one's lifetime for a person above the age of 25 is 25 percent. Dr. Afeef stated that statistics also show that most people who suffer from stroke are elderly people. He said that high blood pressure, diabetes, and high cholesterol are diseases that are increasing both in the country and globally, and therefore, the incidence of stroke among elderly people is increasing. Dr. Afeef emphasized the importance of seeking help immediately if any signs of stroke appear, noting that stroke is a disease that can be treated if medical attention is sought as quickly as possible. He also highlighted that family support and assistance are very important during the treatment phase. Currently, cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death in the country, with heart diseases being the primary cause among them. Hospital statistics indicate that for every five people seeking treatment for stroke at IGMH, one is under the age of 45. In some instances, even 16-year-old children have been admitted for treatment after suffering a stroke.