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Brain and Spine
  1. Stroke and COVID19

Ask a Doc: Stroke and COVID-19

We asked Dr. Kelly Matmati about what stroke patients should know about COVID-19.

May. 1, 2020 • 2   min read

Red image of stroke awareness month

New data has emerged that suggests COVID-19 can cause sudden strokes in adults in their 30s and 40s. The evidence shows that the coronavirus can cause blood clots, which is the primary catalyst to a stroke.

"The number of clotting problems I'm seeing in the ICU, all related to COVID-19, is unprecedented," Dr. Jeffrey Laurence, a hematologist at Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City, told CNN. "Blood clotting problems appear to be widespread in severe COVID [19]."

For those who experience stroke symptoms, calling 911 is essential to a safe recovery, explained Kelly Matmati, MD, the Stroke Program Director at Rochester General Hospital.

What other information is important for stroke patients? Dr. Matmati answers your questions.

What are the symptoms of a stroke?

The main symptoms of a stroke include sudden onset of:

  • Weakness on one side
  • Numbness on one side
  • Difficulty speaking
  • Loss of vision

Use the acronym F.A.S.T. to help remember the signs of a stroke:

  • Facial droop
  • Arm weakness
  • Speech change
  • Time to call 911

The F.A.S.T. acronym helps patients recognize some of the main symptoms of stroke, but not all of them. 

What should patients do if they notice symptoms of a stroke?

Call 911 immediately. Stroke is not something to take lightly and there are time-sensitive treatments that can be given to patients if they get to the hospital right away. The faster the stroke is treated, the more likely the patient is to recover.

What precautions are being taken for stroke patients during COVID-19?

Patients who experience stroke symptoms should still call 911 and will be brought into the emergency department.

All Rochester Regional Health emergency rooms are treating patients with precaution. Each incoming patient is given a face mask that they must wear. Staff is required to wear face masks, face shields, and gowns to protect healthcare workers and patients.

We are following all cleaning and disinfecting guidelines outlined by the Center for Disease and Control Prevention (CDC), and any patients who are showing symptoms of COVID-19 are treated in isolation in another area of the hospital, away from our stroke patients.

Should stroke patients avoid visiting the hospital?

No. Stroke patients or anyone experiencing symptoms of a stroke should call 911 right away. Our hospitals are still the safest place for someone experiencing stroke symptoms or suffering from a stroke. 

Learn more about how Rochester Regional keeps you safe

If a patient goes to the hospital, what can they do to protect themself?

All patients will be given a face mask upon entering the hospital.

We ask that patients let the EMS staff, or the 911 operator, know if anyone in the household is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19. This will allow the medical professionals to take the necessary precautions to protect themselves and other patients.

What should stroke patients do to protect themselves from COVID-19?

We advise patients who are recovering from a stroke to stay home as much as possible and practice social distancing and proper hand washing.

We are providing patients with their follow-up visits remotely using telemedicine so that they don’t have to leave the house. Telemedicine is a way of providing healthcare through video chat.

Learn more about telemedicine

Should stroke patients continue rehabilitation?

Yes, we are still sending patients to rehabilitation. Rehabilitation helps stroke patients rebuild their lives, restore function and independence as much as possible, and prevent recurrent stroke.

It is important that patients take extra precautions to protect themselves from COVID-19. We recommend they wash their hands with soap and water frequently and let their healthcare providers know if they are experiencing symptoms.

NEXT STEPS America's 100 Best Stroke Care

Our stroke centers have received the Healthgrades 100 Best Stroke Care Award four years in a row.

Learn More About Stroke Care
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Kelly S. Matmati, MD
Vascular Neurology, Neurology
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