Why are strokes common with COVID-19?

Strokes are relatively common in COVID-19 patients due to a combination of factors related to the infection and the body's response to it.

COVID-19 can lead to increased blood clotting, a condition known as hypercoagulability. This can result in the formation of blood clots (thrombosis), which can block blood flow to the brain and cause a stroke.

The SARS-CoV-2 virus can damage the lining of blood vessels, the endothelium. This damage can cause inflammation and contribute to the formation of clots. Endothelial dysfunction plays a major role in the development of strokes during COVID-19 infection.

The severe inflammatory response that occurs in some COVID-19 patients, often referred to as a “cytokine storm,” can also contribute to the development of blood clots. The increased inflammatory activity in the body can damage blood vessels and trigger clotting processes.

Many COVID-19 patients have underlying health conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease, which themselves increase the risk of stroke. The combination of COVID-19 and these conditions can further increase the risk. Hospitalizations and prolonged immobilization in severe COVID-19 can contribute to the formation of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), which can lead to pulmonary embolism and stroke if a clot breaks loose and travels to the brain.

Source: https://karger.com/ced/article/49/4/451/77892/Mechanisms-of-Stroke-in-COVID-19

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 2024-05-02 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2025