Two new international studies have reported relatively low rates of stroke in patients hospitalized with COVID-19.  

One study noted a stroke rate of 2.2% among patients with COVID-19 admitted to intensive care across 52 different countries, while the other study observed a stroke rate of 1.48% in patients hospitalized with COVID-19 from across 70 countries. Investigators also noted a decrease in stroke presentations and stroke care during the COVID-19 pandemic. Most of the strokes identified in the first study were hemorrhagic (46%), with 32% ischemic and 22% unspecified.

Both studies were presented at the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) 2021 Annual Meeting being held virtually.

It was noted that there were 91,373 stroke admissions in the 4 months immediately prior to the pandemic compared to 80,894 admissions during the first 4 months during the pandemic, thus showing an 11.5% drop… (Medscape)