Ischemic Stroke in COVID-19 Patients: A Narrative Review

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is primarily known as a respiratory illness; however, a wide variety of symptoms and complications can also occur. It is associated with a small but clinically significant risk of stroke attributed to a hypercoagulable state. There is a need to summarize clinical characteristics, stroke mechanisms, and recommendations to prevent stroke in Arch Intern Med Res 2021; 4 (2): 048-053 DOI: 10.26502/aimr.0055 Archives of Internal Medicine Research 49 this population. The literature search was performed using PubMed, and after applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 6 published papers were found. The overall incidence of stroke in COVID patients can range from 1 to 2%, with high variability. COVID patients who developed stroke were mostly men, with a mean age above 60, and had a severe COVID-19 infection. In most cases, it was a large artery stroke. Acute Ischemic Stroke (AIS) in the setting of COVID-19 is associated with worse outcomes. It is very important to practice social distancing to prevent people from getting the infection. Prophylactic treatment should be given in patients with symptomatic COVID-19 infections, while asymptomatic carriers can prevent their chance of COVID-19 stroke by lifestyle changes and dietary modifications.