The COVID-19 Pandemic Sacrificed the Excellence of Stroke Care Worldwide

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• The COVID-19 pandemic significantly impacted public health systems and the management of pre-existing conditions like stroke.
• Comprehensive stroke care programs faced unprecedented challenges during the pandemic, particularly during confinement periods.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on stroke care, including risk factor incidence, acute treatment, and secondary prevention.
• To highlight global inequalities in cerebrovascular disease management exacerbated by the pandemic.

Main Methods:

• The study reviews the observed changes in stroke care during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• It analyzes the impact on risk factor prevalence, patient delays in seeking care, and hospital treatment times.
• The review also considers the pandemic's effect on secondary prevention and rehabilitation.

Main Results:

• An increase in cerebrovascular disease risk factors was noted during confinement, without corresponding prevention strategies.
• Fear of contagion led to delays in emergency department admission and acute stroke treatment (imaging and thrombolysis).
• The pandemic exposed significant global disparities in stroke care access and management.

Conclusions:

• The pandemic's negative consequences on stroke care, including delayed treatment and neglected secondary prevention, will persist.
• Integrated strategies are essential to manage both the pandemic and stroke care, ensuring equitable patient access to optimal treatment.