Stroke Disparities in the Black Community: A Neurosurgical Perspective

Each May, Stroke Awareness Month provides an opportunity to raise critical awareness about cerebrovascular disease. But for the American Society of Black Neurosurgeons (ASBN), stroke is more than a clinical concern—it is a public health and equity imperative.

Disproportionate Burden, Persistent Gaps

Black Americans experience significantly higher stroke incidence and mortality compared to other racial and ethnic groups. According to the CDC, Black adults are nearly twice as likely to experience a first stroke and face a substantially higher risk of death or disability. These disparities are driven by complex, intersecting factors including systemic barriers to care, socioeconomic determinants of health, and a higher prevalence of modifiable risk factors like hypertension, diabetes, and obesity.

Compounding the issue is delayed recognition and limited access to timely intervention—both of which are crucial in acute stroke care.

Neurosurgery's Critical Role in Stroke Care

Ischemic stroke - blood vessel occlusion - is now increasingly a neurosurgical disease as advancements have allowed neurosurgeons to offer immediate stroke intervention with blood clot retrieval to prevent the permanent effects of an acute stroke event. In this world, time is brain and understanding quickly the signs of stroke and the options to treat alter patient outcomes. Neurosurgeons—particularly those trained in cerebrovascular techniques—are integral to multidisciplinary stroke teams. However, Black representation in this highly specialized field remains minimal, and that lack of diversity may indirectly influence care equity.

Why Representation Matters in Stroke Response

A growing body of research suggests that patient-provider racial concordance improves communication, trust, and adherence. In high-stakes conditions like stroke—where seconds matter and cultural sensitivity can impact consent and follow-up—diverse neurosurgical leadership is not just a matter of inclusion; it is a matter of clinical outcomes.

The American Society of Black Neurosurgeons is dedicated to increasing the presence and visibility of Black neurosurgeons at all levels—from residents to senior faculty—who bring not only technical skill but contextual awareness to the populations most impacted by stroke disparities.

Advancing Solutions

Addressing the disproportionate stroke burden in the Black community requires a multi-pronged approach:

• Strengthening pipeline programs to train and support Black medical students and residents in neurosurgery.
  

• Improving public health education focused on stroke prevention, symptom recognition, and early intervention.
  

• Collaborating across specialties to ensure coordinated, culturally responsive care.
  

• Advocating for equitable access to neurointerventional and post-stroke rehabilitative services.
  

Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability, but for Black Americans, it is also a marker of longstanding health inequities. Neurosurgeons are uniquely positioned to intervene—not only in the OR but as educators, advocates, and leaders in health systems reform.

At ASBN, we believe that advancing neurological equity begins with accountability, representation, and a relentless commitment to excellence in care. We invite our colleagues across disciplines to join us in this mission.