Five COVID-19 patients ages 33 to 49 developed acute ischemic large-vessel stroke, data from a New York City health system showed. "We realized we had seen five young people with large vessel stroke within 2 weeks when we normally see less than one patient that young every 2 weeks. This was seven times our normal rate." All five patients tested positive for COVID-19 but had very mild to no symptoms. New York City doctors say the coronavirus is triggering a surge in strokes in younger patients, causing alarm among medical experts.
The normal stroke population is typically older patients with high blood pressure or cholesterol problems. Stroke patients in New York were 15 years younger than the normal stroke population, had no risk factors and were statistically more likely to be male. According to the Mayo Clinic, a stroke occurs when blood supply to the brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing oxygenation and causing brain cells to die. Doctors believe the coronavirus is causing blood clots that block or narrow the blood vessels.
Apparently patients are presenting late because they are scared to go to the hospital. With strokes, there is a short window to be able to intervene. If patients present in a delayed fashion, doctors lose this opportunity and won't be able to help. Social distancing, isolation, and reluctance to present to the hospital may actually contribute to poor outcomes in this instance.
The Mayo Clinic says symptoms of a stroke can include:
The normal stroke population is typically older patients with high blood pressure or cholesterol problems. Stroke patients in New York were 15 years younger than the normal stroke population, had no risk factors and were statistically more likely to be male. According to the Mayo Clinic, a stroke occurs when blood supply to the brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing oxygenation and causing brain cells to die. Doctors believe the coronavirus is causing blood clots that block or narrow the blood vessels.
Apparently patients are presenting late because they are scared to go to the hospital. With strokes, there is a short window to be able to intervene. If patients present in a delayed fashion, doctors lose this opportunity and won't be able to help. Social distancing, isolation, and reluctance to present to the hospital may actually contribute to poor outcomes in this instance.
The Mayo Clinic says symptoms of a stroke can include:
- Trouble speaking and understanding what others are saying
- Paralysis or numbness of the face, arm or leg
- Problems seeing in one or both eyes
- Sudden severe headache accompanied by dizziness or vomiting
- Trouble walking