Mercy Neurologist Dr. Mark Fehr Examines the Issue of Strokes in COVID-19 Patients

It is known that some of the more common symptoms of coronavirus are coughing and respiratory conditions, but now there's some concern about strokes.

"There have been several patients who come into hospitals who seem to come in with strokes who are positive with coronavirus. There may be a connection between an increased risk of blood clotting and the setting of the infection, but there's a lot we're still learning about it in terms of what kind of blood thinner to give and how risky that is," said Mark L. Fehr, M.D., MPH, a general neurologist with The Neurology Center at Mercy.

According to Dr. Fehr, it's certainly not the most common symptom, but it's something to be aware of. Despite fears of the coronavirus, if you have any symptoms of stroke, he says to seek medical attention right away.

"If you have arm weakness, leg weakness, if you can't see, you can't speak, you have double vision, you should come in and get evaluated rather than wait at home, despite the concern for the infection," Dr. Fehr said.

There are treatments that can help stop or reverse the symptoms of a stroke, which can be devastating otherwise. Time is of the essence.

To view Mercy neurologist Dr. Mark Fehr’s interview about COVID-19 and strokes, click here.