Page 3 - Senior Times South Central Michigan May 2023 - 30-05

Senior Times - May 2023 Page 3
THE LINK BETWEEN COVID-19 AND STROKE RISK
By: Monica Scarsella, Vascular Neurologist, Bronson Neuroscience Center
People over the age of 65 with certain comor- bid conditions have more risk of ischemic stroke regardless of COVID-19. This includes having: • High blood pressure
• Diabetes
• Coronary artery disease
• Atrial fibrillation
• High cholesterol
• Congestive heart failure
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Conditions that cause an increased risk of blot
When the COVID-19 pandemic began, little was known about the effects of the virus. Today, we have a better understanding of what these effects are and how to manage them.
better your outcome will be. That’s why it’s important to BE FAST. When someone with a stroke is brought to any one of Bronson’s hospitals in an ambulance, the stroke team is notified so they can be prepared for immediate intervention.
You may already know some of the long-term issues caused by the virus, such as brain fog, fatigue, and breathing problems, but did you know it could increase risk of having a stroke?
BE FAST
• Balance. Vertigo, or feeling dizzy or falling to
Stroke has become a known problem of COVID-19, with studies showing that the risk increases three days after symptoms of the virus begin. We also now know that the risk remains high for up to one year after having the virus.
clots, such as cancer and infection
one side.
• Eyes. Loss of vision or blurred vision.
• Face. Facial drooping to one side.
• Arms. Weakness in the arms, leg, or face.
• Speech. Slurred or doesn’t make sense.
• Time. Act quickly if you notice any of these
Why does COVID-19 increase stroke risk?
Risk factors for COVID-related hemorrhagic stroke include taking blood thinning medication and needing mechanical ventilation or extracorpo- real membrane oxygenation (ECMO).
The reason has to do with your body’s response to the virus. Normally, your immune system reacts to inflammation from an injury like a scrape or cut by clotting the blood. For some with COVID-19, generalized inflammation inside the body can lead to dangerous blood clots that travel to the brain and cause ischemic stroke.
How is a COVID-related stroke treated?
symptoms and call 9-1-1 right away. This is the fastest and safest way to get to the hospital.
The COVID-19 virus can also invade the wall of blood vessels. This causes them to weaken and ultimately rupture, resulting in a hemorrhagic stroke.
Treatment for COVID-19 related stroke is the same as for any other stroke. This includes, in some cases, giving the patient a powerful blood thinner, tPA, or surgically removing a clot.
There are times that these symptoms turn out not to be a stroke. If you’re not sure, ask someone who is around to look at you. They should check your smile to see if there is facial drooping. Have them watch you hold out your arms to see if one is drifting. If so, you should call 9-1-1. If no one is around to help you or you’re in doubt, it’s best to call 9-1-1 to be safe.
Who is at risk of COVID-related stroke?
Recovery after stroke varies based on stroke severity. Strategies for future stroke prevention and recovery can include:
• Blood thinning medication
Studies have shown that both older and younger adults have a higher risk of stroke due to COVID- 19. The risk is even higher for those with pre-ex- isting health conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure.
• Physical therapy
• Occupational therapy • Speech therapy
Whether you’ve had COVID-19 or not, taking proactive steps to improve your health is the best way to reduce the risk of any stroke. Some life- style changes to make would be:
After a COVID-related ischemic stroke, some patients were found to have more disability. Factors that may contribute to this include:
• Age over 55
Symptoms depend on which part of the brain is affected and can range from mild to severe. Common symptoms include:
• Sudden numbness or weakness in the face,
• High blood sugar levels
• Kidney dysfunction
• Prior abnormal neurological exam
arm or leg
• Trouble speaking or understanding speech • Vision problems
• Balance or coordination issues
• Severe headache
It’s also important not to delay routine care. Your primary care provider can help you get ahead of health conditions that could increase your risk of stroke. If you don’t have a primary care provider, visit bronsonhealth.com/find-a-doc.
(weakness, numbness, vision, speech or balance/ coordination difficulty)
The faster you're diagnosed and treated, the
What are the symptoms of a stroke?
• Exercise regularly
• Adopt the Mediterranean diet • Quit smoking
• Lose weight
• Avoid excessive alcohol
Constance Brown Hearing Centers has Joined Bronson
Whether you’re seeking care for yourself, your child or a loved one, our licensed and certified audiologists will partner with you to improve your hearing. As trusted providers of audiology care since 1942, we’ll put our experience to work for you!
Call (269) 343-2601 to schedule a hearing test in Battle Creek, Kalamazoo or Portage. Learn more at bronsonhealth.com/hearing.