The Stroke Association’s response to The Lancet Psychiatry: Largest study to date suggests link between COVID-19 infection and subsequent mental health and neurological conditions

Dr Richard Francis, Head of Research at the Stroke Association said: “It’s concerning that this study, primarily based on United States data, finds people with Covid-19 may be at a higher risk of stroke. There have been multiple reports linking Covid-19 and stroke, but few large studies like this to understand Covid-19 as a stroke risk factor.

“Risk of having a stroke with Covid-19 is low, but higher than other infections. The study finds that compared to people that had an influenza infection, infection with Covid-19 has a 62% higher risk of stroke caused by blood clots (ischaemic), and 71% higher risk of stroke caused by a bleed in the brain (intracranial haemorrhage). The risk of stroke appears highest in people hospitalised with Covid-19 and those that have inflammation in the brain.

“However, more research is needed to understand if people with mild cases of Covid-19 are at risk, as well as why the risk of stroke may increase and for how long after Covid-19 infection. Our charity is funding some of this work using health data from people in the UK. This is important to understand the impact of Covid-19 on stroke in the UK, as well as how treatment and care for stroke survivors may need to change in response to the virus.”