In a scenario typical for many Bangladeshi families, picture yourself rushing your father, who is in his mid-fifties, to seek urgent medical care after being diagnosed with a sudden migraine. However, within a day, he becomes unresponsive, his body present but his essence vanished.
Despite a frantic search for medical help, your father is saved, but the repercussions linger. A lack of awareness, confusion, and delays nearly resulted in a tragic loss, evoking a lasting fear.
I personally experienced this fear.
Although my father miraculously survived a severe subdural haematoma due to prompt medical intervention, others may not be as fortunate. In Bangladesh, preventable incidents like this are distressingly common due to alarmingly low levels of brain health awareness.
This year’s theme for World Brain Day, “Brain Health for All Ages,” holds particular significance for Bangladesh, a country where survival itself can be a challenge.
The misconception that neurological disorders primarily affect the elderly is rapidly being debunked. Fatal neurological conditions like stroke, aneurysm, brain haemorrhage, dementia, and epilepsy can impact individuals of all age groups. Globally, in 2021, over 40 percent of the population was affected by neurological conditions, as per the Global Burden of Disease Study, with Bangladesh experiencing a mounting burden.
Stroke alone contributes significantly to adult mortality rates in Bangladesh. The National Institute of Neurosciences and Hospital (NINS) estimates that over three lakh strokes occur annually in the country, affecting many individuals in their 30s and 40s. Common risk factors include hypertension, diabetes, smoking, obesity, and air pollution, prevalent due to urban stress and lifestyle choices.
However, strokes are just a piece of the puzzle. Aneurysms and haemorrhages strike suddenly. Dementia and Parkinson’s disease are on the rise among older adults, while children grapple with epilepsy and neurodevelopmental disorders.
Mental health issues such as anxiety and depression, which often manifest in adolescence, are also neurological in nature and frequently underdiagnosed.
Brain health concerns are not limited to the elderly. Early childhood experiences, including poor maternal nutrition and infections, can result in lifelong consequences. Teenagers are increasingly facing mental health crises and learning challenges. Adults are susceptible to stroke and traumatic brain injuries, while seniors confront the escalating risk of dementia.
One of the most concerning aspects of neurological diseases is their silent progression. Many Bangladeshis fail to recognize early stroke symptoms like slurred speech, confusion, and drooping face until it is too late. Societal stigma surrounding mental and cognitive disorders further delays or prevents treatment.
The lack of awareness leads to delayed diagnoses and inadequate care. With less than 300 trained neurosurgeons and neurologists serving a population exceeding 17 crore, Bangladesh faces challenges in providing quality neuro care. Access to essential neuro medications, particularly for conditions like Parkinson’s, remains inconsistent.
Dr. Md Nazrul Hossain, head of neurosurgery at ICHRI, BIRDEM, highlights that widespread misconceptions hinder life-saving care. Many individuals mistakenly believe stroke is a heart-related issue, leading to delays in seeking appropriate treatment.
Misunderstandings extend beyond stroke to conditions like aneurysms and epilepsy, often stigmatized in rural areas. Overcoming these challenges necessitates robust health education initiatives to enhance community awareness and reduce stigma.
Improving brain health in Bangladesh demands collective action. Comprehensive awareness campaigns, enhanced healthcare infrastructure, increased research efforts, and an efficient emergency response system are vital steps toward safeguarding the cognitive well-being and future of millions.