LAGOS, Nigeria(VOICE OF NAIJA)- Nigeria’s growing neurological disease crisis is drawing renewed attention as Brain Centre Neuro-Critical and Rehabilitation Services in Ibadan reports more than 160 critical medical interventions within its first year of operation, positioning the facility as a vital lifeline for patients with complex brain and nervous system conditions.
Established on January 18, 2025, the specialist centre was created in response to the rising incidence of stroke, traumatic brain injuries and neurodegenerative disorders across Nigeria and other low and middle income countries. Health experts warn that these conditions are increasing faster than the healthcare system’s capacity to manage them.
Speaking ahead of activities marking the centre’s first anniversary, founder and consultant neurologist, Dr. Temitope Farombi, said the initiative was designed to close longstanding gaps in access to timely, specialist neurological care.
“Neurological diseases are rising rapidly in Nigeria, yet access to prompt intervention remains limited. The brain is time-sensitive. When treatment is delayed, outcomes can be devastating. Brain Centre was established to ensure patients receive the right care at the right time,” Farombi said.
Over the past year, the facility has handled more than 160 neuro-critical, neurosurgical, neurological and mental health cases. These include stroke, Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, multiple sclerosis, spinal disorders, traumatic brain injuries and complex headache syndromes.
Beyond emergency care, Farombi noted that the centre has performed brain surgeries and delivered intensive rehabilitation programmes, helping many patients regain independence and return to everyday life within their families and communities. The Brain Centre, he explained, evolved from a digital health initiative launched five years ago to improve early access to doctors through telemedicine.
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“While digital medicine improves access to doctors, it cannot replace physical examination and hands-on intervention. That is why we established a fully equipped walk-in neuro-critical and rehabilitation facility where patients can receive emergency care, treatment and long-term rehabilitation,” he said.
Meanwhile, medical data indicate that Nigeria’s neurological disease burden could triple by 2030, even as the country faces a severe shortage of trained specialists. Stroke remains one of the leading causes of disability and death nationwide, often worsened by delayed hospital presentation.
“Stroke alone is one of the leading causes of disability and death in the country. Many patients arrive at hospitals too late for life-saving intervention. Our mission is to close this gap through emergency response, specialist care and rehabilitation,” Farombi added.
Looking ahead, the neurologist stressed the need for stronger public awareness around brain health and prevention. He emphasized that early diagnosis, healthier lifestyles and consistent medical follow-up can significantly reduce the impact of many neurological conditions.
Therefore, he advised Nigerians to monitor blood pressure and blood sugar levels, avoid self-medication and substance abuse, and seek specialist care promptly when warning signs appear. Farombi also called for expanded health insurance coverage and supportive government policies to reduce the financial burden of critical care on patients.
“We are grateful to our patients, partners and the general public for trusting us with their health. This first anniversary is not just a celebration of the past year, but a renewed commitment to saving more lives and restoring hope to families,” he said.
The centre’s first-year milestone highlights both the scale of Nigeria’s neurological health challenge and the growing role of specialised facilities in improving survival, recovery and quality of life for affected patients.
