Stroke, the destruction of brain tissue from blockage or rupture of blood vessels, is one of the leading causes of death and permanent disability in the Arab world.

It is second only to heart attack as a cause of death in the region, a report said.

Preliminary studies suggest that the main risk factors for stroke in Arab countries are undiagnosed or untreated high blood pressure (hypertension), abnormally elevated blood sugar (diabetes), smoking and elevated cholesterol, said a statement.

In Arab countries ischemic stroke resulting from blockage of brain arteries is the most common type of stroke, although data from Sudan indicates that 41 per cent of all strokes in that country are brain haemorrhages due to rupture of cerebral arteries from hypertension.  Recent information indicates that these same risk factors for stroke also damage memory and predispose to Alzheimer’s disease in the elderly.

Public Health advances in the past few years have shown that national programs have made it possible to decrease the risk of stroke around the world.  Moreover, with optimal medical treatment the prognosis of acute stroke can also improve, lowering the risk of death and decreasing the severity of the sequels, it said. 

Better prognosis depends of knowledge on the part of the public of the warning signs of stroke, along with rapid attention and efficient stroke units in hospitals.

These advances and experiences in stroke management in several Arab countries were discussed at the First Middle East & North African Symposium on Stroke held in Dubai recently under the aegis of Ferrer Group (Barcelona, Spain). 

Distinguished speakers and physicians from Algeria, Egypt, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Morocco, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Pakistan participated in the conference.

Founded in 1959, Ferrer is a privately-held Spanish pharmaceutical company, with full vertical integration from R&D to distribution. It is present in more than 90 countries, with 23 international affiliates. Ferrer is active in the pharmaceutical, health, fine chemicals and food sectors, key areas for contributing to people’s health and quality of life. – TradeArabia News Service