Stroke Risk Related to Coronavirus Disease-2019: What Have We Learned?
Pamela Pourciau, Britta C Smith
PMID 36774007WHAT IT FOUND
Hospitalized patients with COVID-19 were reported to have stroke in 0.7% to 5.8% across studies, often younger and severe.
Nurses should watch for subtle neurologic changes.
Key findings
01The review reports acute cerebrovascular disease, mainly ischemic stroke, in 0.7% to 5.8% of hospitalized patients with COVID-19.
02In a multicenter study of 575 patients with large vessel occlusion, 194 were positive for COVID-19; those with COVID-19 were younger, had fewer risk factors, and had higher morbidity and mortality.
03The review recommends nurses monitor for new neurologic symptoms, use standardized tools such as NIHSS, and escalate for neuroimaging or stroke pathway care.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for RNs
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What it does not show
This is a narrative review, not a systematic review or original study, so it does not measure how much stroke risk increased compared with non-COVID patients. It relies on heterogeneous observational studies with different definitions and populations. It cannot prove that COVID-19 caused stroke or that anticoagulation prevented it. Some vaccine-related stroke discussion is early and not strongly supported.
Declared interests
The authors report no disclosures. No funding statement is provided in the supplied text.
The easy way to misread this
Do not read this as proof that COVID-19 causes stroke or that early anticoagulation prevents stroke. It is a narrative review of observational studies, and the treatment recommendations are not tested in this paper.