What is the link between Covid-19 and stroke?

Although Covid-19 is still under investigation, several of its effects on the body are already known. However, symptoms or neurological damage are less advanced. Although unusual, cases have already been reported in which the virus produces a chain action, leading to cerebrovascular accidents (CVA), even in young patients with no previous basal disease.

What is the link between Covid-19 and stroke?

As explained in an article by Clínica Las Condes, this occurs specifically in the large cerebral arteries - large vessel arterial occlusion - as a result of coronavirus infection.

Why does this happen? Because the infection provokes an inflammatory response of the whole organism. For example, lungs and other organs are affected, resulting in activation of the coagulation cascade.

This is why not only cases of thrombosis have been seen, but also deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary thromboembolism. In fact, the article states that of the infected patients, between 2.5 and 5% have some element of thrombosis in some organ. Thus, specialists have considered the use of anticoagulants.

Jose Biller, M.D., chairman of neurology at Loyola University Medical Center and professor at Loyola University Chicago Stritch School of Medicine, explains in this note that stroke can result from several mechanisms. These include an increased inflammatory response, increased tendency for blood clotting, and damage to the inner layers of blood vessels.

Likewise, the article stresses that stroke care should be timely and people should not wait to consult for fear of becoming infected; 15 minutes can make a difference.

Remember that the after-effects of a stroke are usually severe. As we saw in the blog 4 consequences of a stroke, it can cause swallowing problems, facial and body paralysis, speech problems and vision loss.

What do the studies say?

To date, a study by researchers from the universities of Cincinnati, Brescia, Piedmont East and Sassari has revealed that strokes are the most common neurological consequence, and could be a warning sign of the presence of the pathogen.

To reach these conclusions, they took a sample of 725 people with Covid-19 and 16% presented severe neurological symptoms, for which they underwent tests and analysis.

From the study, it finally emerged that 37% of them suffered a stroke. Of the 108 with neurological damage, 30% had no known medical history and their ages ranged from 16 to 62 years. Twelve of the latter, despite having no history, had a stroke, 10 ischemic and 2 hemorrhagic.

How TrainFES can help patients recovering from Covid-19?

As we saw in a previous blog, FES can help the recovery of patients with COVID-19. Mainly because it can prevent muscle weakness acquired in the Critical Care Unit, accelerate the extubation process and early rehabilitation of post-intubation swallowing disorder.