STROKE MORTALITY IN A TEACHING HOSPITAL IN SOUTH-WEST OF NIGERIA

Stroke, a major cause of morbidity and mortality is on the increase and with increasing mortality. Our retrospective review of all stroke admissions from 1990 - 2000 show that cerebrovascular disease accounted for 3.6% (293/8144) of all medical admissions; has a case fatality rate of 45% with the majority (61%) occurring in the first week; mean age of stroke deaths was 62 years (SD +/- 13); and severe as well as uncontrolled hypertension is the most important risk factor. Community based programmes aimed at early detection and treatment of hypertension in addition to screening for those with high risk factors should be put in place.