New funding has been assigned to help better understand the link between stroke and COVID-19.
Growing evidence indicates the strengthening of the link between patients contracting Coronavirus and also having a stroke.
Initial global research has identified a number of patient groups who are more likely to have a stroke, including those with pre-existing conditions affecting their heart and blood vessels, those with severe COVID-19 symptoms, as well as people of Asian ethnicity.
Indications also point to such people experiencing stroke in such situations being at least six years younger, on average, with symptoms being more significant.
Now, the Stroke Association has announced it has assigned funding to help increase the understanding around COVID-19 and stroke further, and find further evidence of at-risk groups.
Its research – working alongside health and social care professionals and researchers in the UK – will help to build a more detailed picture of who has a stroke after a Coronavirus infection and what puts them at risk, helping to guide new treatment which will reduce this risk.
“There is growing evidence that people with more severe coronavirus infection are at an increased risk of stroke compared to those with a milder case,” says Dr Richard Francis, head of research awards at the Stroke Association.
“In addition, people that have a stroke and Coronavirus are likely to be younger than expected. This could add up to more people living with the devastating effects of stroke.
“This highlights the importance of research to understand how coronavirus can increase the risk of stroke, particularly stroke caused by a blood clot, which is the most common type.
“I’m pleased that our charity has responded by funding this urgently-needed research in this rapidly developing area.”
Dr Francis adds that while COVID-19 is believed to be linked to stroke in many people, the impact of the pandemic is impacting those who experience stroke in other ways.
“Tragically, in March during the first lockdown, we saw a drop in the number of people going to hospital with stroke in the UK,” he says.
“But stroke continues to strike.
“It’s important to remain aware of the common signs of stroke that include changes in the face, arm movement, and speech, and act fast by calling 999.
“This can get someone the emergency care they need to reduce damage to the brain caused by stroke and give them the best chance of rebuilding their life after stroke.”
