Incidence and pathophysiologic mechanisms of stroke in the COVID-19 pandemic: the dilemma

BACKGROUND: While COVID-19 pandemic affected more than 26 million people worldwide, still, the definite link between COVID-19 and incidence of stroke remains to be re-evaluated. MAIN BODY: Many pathophysiologic and immunologic mechanisms have been implicated in stroke occurring among patients with COVID-19. The COVID-19 pandemic has, in different ways, negative impacts on care of stroke patients worldwide, and still, many challenges are faced by neurologists to improve care of stroke patients during such crisis. In this brief report, we try to discuss these issues. CONCLUSIONS: Although the control of COVID-19 is of crucial importance, at the same time, the management of stroke must not be neglected. Therefore, introducing care for critical conditions such as stroke, and providing strategies to ensure this proceeds, is a priority even at the time of the pandemic.