The executive director of MNH Prof. Mohamed Janabi. Photo: Courtesy
By Adonis Byemelwa
Dar
es Salaam--A specialized unit for stroke management is being
established at Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) in response to a significant
rise in stroke cases. Prof. Mohamed Janabi, the executive director of MNH,
revealed to reporters in Dar es Salaam recently that the brain and nervous
system unit has handled over 10,000 outpatient cases since 2022, with nearly
half involving stroke patients.
Currently,
more than 60% of daily admissions to the hospital's non-communicable diseases
(NCD) ward are stroke-related, highlighting the growing threat that strokes
pose in Tanzania. Prof. Janabi noted that one-third of admitted patients with
brain and nervous system issues experience paralysis. Additionally, the unit
has treated over 334 epilepsy patients, ranging from children to adults, during
this period.
Due
to the increasing prevalence of stroke cases, the medical facility's leadership
decided to create a dedicated unit specifically for stroke management.
Initially, the brain and nervous system unit treated around 50 patients in its
clinic, but after relocating, it now accommodates 150 patients, underscoring
the escalation of this health crisis.
On
average, the unit admits approximately 2,953 stroke patients daily. Prof.
Janabi emphasized the global urgency surrounding strokes, citing that nearly
six million individuals die from strokes each year.
He
cautioned against using massages for stroke recovery, advising that patients
should instead receive physiotherapy. Massages can exacerbate muscle stiffness,
leading to weakness and lethargy, which can hinder recovery.
From
October 2022 to September 2024, the unit has treated 338 inpatients and 4,850
outpatients for epilepsy, providing advanced treatment options, including
surgeries, rather than solely relying on medication. He encouraged the public
to adopt healthier lifestyles, such as walking six kilometers or achieving
10,000 steps daily, emphasizing that gym memberships are unnecessary for
fitness.
Prof.
Janabi also highlighted the importance of managing stress, which significantly
impacts the nervous system. Regular health check-ups—once or twice a year—are
recommended to monitor overall well-being. The unit also caters to patients
with mobility issues, nervous system infections, and autoimmune diseases.
Since
its inception, the specialized unit has reported a decrease in complications
for stroke patients, who now experience shorter hospital stays and quicker
recovery from infections, alongside tailored rehabilitation exercises.
Dr.
Mohamed Mnacho, a neurologist at the hospital, explained that stroke causes
vary by age group. In children, strokes often stem from genetic conditions like
sickle cell disease and congenital heart defects. In contrast, adults over 40
primarily face strokes due to high blood pressure and diabetes. Dr. Mnacho
warned that excessive alcohol consumption increases the risk of both stroke and
certain types of epilepsy, as alcohol toxins can adversely affect brain health.
He
noted a concerning trend during the COVID-19 pandemic, where the hospital
witnessed a rise in patients with nervous system complications linked to viral
infections.