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  Wearing is Caring
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how does covid-19 affect the brain?

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Reference:

Varatharaj, Aravinthan, et al. “Neurological and Neuropsychiatric Complications of COVID-19 in 153 Patients: a UK-Wide Surveillance Study.” The Lancet Psychiatry, vol. 7, no. 10, Oct. 2020, pp. 875–882., doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/S2215-0366(20)30287-X.

“Stroke Signs and Symptoms.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 28 Aug. 2020, www.cdc.gov/stroke/signs_symptoms.htm.

What is Stroke?

A stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks blood supply to part of the brain or when a blood vessel in the brain bursts. Most strokes are ischemic strokes which are the result of a blocked artery needed to supply oxygen-rich blood to the brain. Stroke is one of the leading causes of long-term disability and death in the U.S. 

Some signs of stroke include:
  • Sudden numbness or weakness in the face, arm, or leg, particularly on one side of the body.
  • Sudden confusion, or difficulty speaking or understanding speech.
  • Sudden difficulty seeing in one or both eyes.
  • Sudden difficulty walking; dizziness, or loss of balance or coordination.
  • Sudden severe headache with no known cause. 

​How is COVID-19 related to stroke? 

Experimental Design:

In April, researchers in the UK created a database to collect clinical information on neurological symptoms found in COVID-19 patients. They wanted to understand how COVID-19 affects the brain and mental health. The researchers looked at 153 patients across different age groups and sex. They organized the neurological symptoms found in these patients into several categories: 1) cerebrovascular events (strokes); 2) altered mental status (personality and behavioral changes); and 3) damage to nerves.

Results:

  • 77 (62%) of 125 patients presented with a cerebrovascular event of whom:
    • 57 (74%) had an ischaemic stroke. This was the most common type of event.
    • Nine (12%) had intracerebral haemorrhage, or bleeding in the brain.
    • One (1%) had CNS vasculitis, inflammation of blood vessels in the brain and spine.
  • 82% of patients with cerebrovascular symptoms were also older than 60

What does this mean?

In addition to symptoms like fever, difficulty breathing, and fatigue, COVID-19 can cause serious neurological complications including stroke, especially in people above 60 years of age.  You can reduce your risk and prevent the spread of COVID-19 by wearing a mask that fits, practicing social distancing and washing your hands frequently. 
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These guidelines are our interpretation of scientific literature and published guidelines. Please follow links to learn more about the science behind our infographics.
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