Could COVID-19 Be Causing Strokes? Know the Signs

The novel nature of COVID 19 saw researchers and medical professionals scrambling for answers to bring the pandemic under control for the better part of 2020. While we definitely know a lot more now than we did before, there is still a dearth of information. The high rates of fatality in the pandemic also saw a lot of research being done on the impact of COVID 19 on vital organs such as the brain. In this article, we will take a look at whether COVID 19 can be the cause of strokes.

What is a stroke?

A stroke is a condition marked by an interrupted supply to a part of the human brain. If left untreated, there can be permanent damage to the brain cells.

Can COVID 19 cause strokes?

Studies indicate that COVID 19 can increase a person’s risk of suffering from a stroke. Let’s understand how and why.

COVID 19 can lead to a range of symptoms. Mild COVID 19 manifests in symptoms such as a dry cough, headache, and fever. A moderate COVID 19 case may have symptoms that include breathlessness, inflammation in the body and the formation of blood clots. These blood clots in the arterial system of the body can eventually lead to a brain stroke.

COVID 19 can also lead to organ failure which is also a known cause of strokes.

What are the signs of COVID 19 stroke?

It is important to be aware of the signs of a stroke so as to be able to seek timely treatment and prevent permanent brain damage. Some of the warning signs to look out for include –

• Difficulty in seeing out of either one or both the eyes
• Loss of balance
• Uneven look in the face when smiling
• Weakness in an arm
• Slurred speech
• Difficulty in following what is being said

If anyone you know exhibits any of these symptoms, do reach out to a medical professional immediately. While it is understandable to be afraid of going to hospitals for fear of catching infection, not seeking timely treatment can prove to be fatal. There is a strong link between early treatment and better prognosis for a stroke.

Also, do bear in mind that strokes can affected anyone, irrespective of their age.

Now test for COVID 19 from the comfort of your home

Advancements in medicine have made life easier and simpler. Now, you can stay safe and test for COVID 19 at home. Meril’s Covifind is your one-stop solution for safe and easy testing. This DIY antigen kit comes with 1 sterile nasal swab, 1 test device, 1 disposal bag, 1 pre-filled buffer tube and 1 instruction manual. Simply follow the instructions and get your test results in just 15 minutes.

Conclusion

The COVID 19 pandemic presented unprecedented challenges to the world. Until new research brings to light previously unknown information, we now have to make do with what is at hand. It is important for each of us to act as responsible members of the community by practising social distancing. Make sure to adhere to all the local protocol for COVID 19 set by your government.

Stay indoors, stay safe.