COVID-19 Increases Risk of Brain stroke, Early Signs you must watch for

Novel coronavirus infection is known to affect lungs that cause the respiratory and breathing problem. But, there are researches that point that it can even affect our brain resulting in a serious issue such as brain stroke.

In a study published on JAMA neurology, the research found that patients suffering from COVID-19 had an elevated risk of brain stroke.

In this article, we will try to understand how COVID-19 increases the risk of stroke and we will also learn its initial sing so that we can an informed decision.

COVID-19 and stroke

Brain stroke is a medical condition in which the blood supply to the part of the brain is blocked, this is because a piece of blood clot would detach and get dislodge around blood circulation of the brain. Brain stroke leads to hemiplegia and in severe conditions it can even lead to the death of the person.

However, brain stroke commonly affects people with age over 65 years. But, doctors have found that coronavirus increases the risk of brain stroke in people as young as 30 years.

In a study from 2 New York City academic hospitals, approximately 1.6% of adults with COVID-19 who visited the emergency department or were hospitalized experienced ischemic stroke, a higher rate of stroke compared with a cohort of patients with influenza.

In another study, researchers collected data from 6 hospitals spread across the boroughs of Manhattan, Queens, and Brooklyn in New York City. They studied 41 cases and 82 control subjects who underwent stroke alert imaging with confirmed acute stroke on imaging between March 16 and April 5, 2020.

Study result demonstrated that COVID-19 infection is significantly associated with imaging confirmation of acute ischemic stroke, and patients with COVID-19.  

Also Read: Post-menopausal women at higher risk of COVID-19, Study finds

Why COVID-19 increases risk of brain stroke

So, if coronavirus is known to affect our lungs how does it affect our brain? According to doctors, coronavirus has a tendency to trigger clots formation in the blood. Coronavirus causes microthrombi or small clots which travel to the lung and obstruct blood flow to the lungs.

This clot can even travel to brain circulation and cause stroke.

UPDATE: A research published on Journal of The American College of Cardiology has found that use of blood-thinner (Anticoagulants) can improve the condition of post-covid sufferer.

Early signs that you should watch for

So, how would you know that something is wrong and need to consult a doctor? Here, we are mentioning five important early sign that you must watch for and immediate seek emergency help.

1. Sudden weakness of limb and person will unable to move one side shoulder and leg.
2. Confusion with difficulty speaking.
3. Sudden dizziness, imbalance, may collapse on the flooe
4. Blurred vision on one or both eyes.
5. Sudden sever headache with no known cause.

Keep Reading: Stroke Risk Increases with Air Pollution| Finds Study

Journal Reference

Merkler AE, Parikh NS, Mir S, et al. Risk of Ischemic Stroke in Patients With Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vs Patients With Influenza. JAMA Neurol. Published online July 02, 2020. doi:10.1001/jamaneurol.2020.2730

Sunit. S. Ekka

Dr Sunit Sanjay Ekka is a physiotherapist in practice for the last 15 years. He has done his BPT from one of the premium Central Government physiotherapy colleges, ie, SVNIRTAR. The patient is his best teacher and whatever he gets to learn he loves to share it on his Youtube channel and blog.