Sudden Stroke Could Be a Symptom of COVID-19

On the 26th, an asymptomatic foreigner who arrived on a passenger flight from London, UK, is undergoing a COVID-19 test at an open screening clinic (Open Walking Thru type) set up in the outdoor area of Terminal 2 at Incheon International Airport. Photo by Moon Honam munonam@

[Asia Economy Reporter Cho Hyun-ui] Experts have suggested that if healthy adults in their 30s to 40s suddenly experience a stroke, it could be a symptom of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19).

According to reports from CNN and others in the United States on the 22nd (local time), many cases of such symptoms have been reported among asymptomatic or mild patients recently confirmed in the U.S.

Thomas Oxley, a neurosurgeon at New York's Mount Sinai Health System, said, "The COVID-19 virus appears to cause blood clotting in large arteries," adding, "This can lead to severe strokes." He explained, "In the past two weeks, there has been more than a sevenfold increase in young patients complaining of sudden strokes," noting that "most had no prior medical history and all were confirmed COVID-19 patients."

In the medical community, there is growing consensus that COVID-19 infection causes a type of blood clotting symptom. Recently, a peculiar skin symptom called 'COVID toes' (red or blue spots resembling chilblains appearing on the toes and fingers of confirmed patients) is also presumed to be a blood clotting symptom.

Joanna Harp, a physician at Weill Cornell Hospital, said, "The reason why some confirmed patients show a tendency for blood clotting is still unknown," but added, "It may be an immune overreaction caused by the COVID-19 virus strongly stimulating the immune system of certain patients." This skin condition is also frequently found mainly in young patients who are asymptomatic or have mild symptoms.

Experts advise that COVID-19 infection should be considered not only when fever and cough appear but also when blood clotting symptoms occur. Mr. Oxley said, "Even if these are not typical symptoms, if someone is experiencing a stroke, COVID-19 infection should be suspected."