By Dr. Kwabena Nii Mensah | Neurology Consultant, University of Ghana Medical School
Every day, I meet patients who live with silent but devastating neurological symptoms — persistent migraines, seizures, memory loss, or chronic sleep disorders. These conditions are more common than we think, yet many ignore the warning signs. This blog is a heartfelt call to take your brain and nerve health seriously.
The Nervous System: Your Body’s Master Controller
The human brain and nervous system control everything — from movement and sleep to emotions, memory, and decision-making. Like a powerful computer, your brain processes millions of signals daily, helping you function and adapt.
But when this system malfunctions — even slightly — the impact can be severe.
Neurological conditions are on the rise globally. According to the World Health Organization:
- Over 1 billion people worldwide suffer from neurological disorders.
- Migraine is now the second leading cause of years lived with disability (YLDs).
- Around 50 million people have epilepsy — and in many developing countries, proper diagnosis and treatment remain a challenge.
- Each year, 15 million people suffer strokes, with nearly 5 million deaths and another 5 million left disabled.
- In Sub-Saharan Africa, sleep disorders and chronic headaches are increasing in people aged 35–60 due to lifestyle and work stress.
Case 1: A 38-year-old mother came to my clinic with severe migraines that affected her job and family life. She had been living with chronic migraine for years — worsened by stress and irregular sleep.
Case 2: A 52-year-old man suffered a minor stroke after years of working late, smoking, and ignoring his high blood pressure. He now lives with partial weakness on his right side. Early detection could have prevented long-term damage.
These are just two of many patients I’ve treated — each a reminder that neurological symptoms should never be ignored.
Neurological conditions often result from multiple, overlapping factors:
- Genetics – Conditions like epilepsy, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s often run in families.
- Lifestyle – Sleep deprivation, poor diet, excessive screen time, and lack of exercise can lead to migraines and cognitive decline.Stress – Chronic stress is a known trigger for both insomnia and migraine.
- Medical Conditions – Uncontrolled diabetes, hypertension, and cholesterol increase stroke risk.
- Infections or Trauma – Brain injuries and past infections can cause lasting neurological effects.
Neurological issues can affect anyone — but certain age groups face specific risks:
- 18–30 years old: Migraines, anxiety-related insomnia, and stress-related headaches.
- 35–60 years old: Hypertension-related stroke, sleep disorders, memory decline.
- 60+ years old: Dementia, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and post-stroke complications.
- Prioritize 7–8 hours of quality sleep
- Limit sugar, processed food, and caffeine
- Exercise regularly (30 minutes/day)
- Reduce screen time, especially before bedtime
- Meditate or practice deep-breathing daily
- Read books, learn new skills, challenge your memory
- Stay hydrated and consider brain-supportive nutrients (Omega-3, magnesium, B12)
- See a neurologist if you experience unexplained headaches, dizziness, tremors, memory loss, or seizures
- If you have chronic conditions like hypertension or diabetes, monitor them closely to reduce stroke risk💬 Final Thoughts: Brain Health is a Lifelong Commitment
Brain and nerve health don’t just affect your body — they shape your relationships, your work, your identity. As a doctor trained at the University of Ghana Medical School, I feel a strong responsibility to not only treat but educate the public.
If you’re facing neurological symptoms, don’t wait. Your brain deserves the same care as your heart.
Stay curious. Stay proactive. And take care of the mind that powers your world.