Coronavirus linked to strokes among young COVID-19 patients, experts say

MECHANICSBURG — Every day, doctors are learning more about the novel coronavirus. Experts said they are now seeing a rise in strokes among young patients diagnosed with COVID-19.

According to an article published by Edward-Elmhurst Health, while nearly three-quarters of all strokes occur in people over the age of 65, strokes are now striking people with COVID-19 who are in their 30s or 40s. Experts believe strokes may be a result of blood clots caused by the virus. Doctors explain there are symptoms patients should be aware of if they’re having a stroke - that includes face drooping, weakness or numbness in the arms, and slurred speech.

Marshall Porter, 46, of Mechanicsburg, told News Center 7′s Katy Andersen he suffered a stroke while he was in the hospital recovering from the virus. Porter was admitted to Ohio State University’s Wexner Medical Center in May after experiencing COVID symptoms and testing positive.

“I was very tired,” Porter said. “I developed a cough and at one point, I just couldn’t breathe,” he added.

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Porter was put on a ventilator for nearly four weeks. “There was one point when I just laid back in my bed, and I couldn’t breathe, and I just waited to die,” he recalled. Then, Porter remembered his wife and three children. Fighting to stay alive, Porter’s doctors treated him with convalescent plasma.

“I can mark from that day is when I started to recover,” Porter said. “I know all COVID cases are different, but in my case, plasma is what started my road to recovery.”

But there was a bump in his road to recovery. While Porter was in the hospital, he suffered a stroke.

“[Doctors] found me in my hospital, unresponsive, and my eyes were rolling back in my head and it happened twice,” Porter said. “I have some neurological damage. I am still very foggy.”

Porter is now working to regain some of the 40 pounds he lost over the 61 days he was in the hospital. As he works on getting his strength back, he wanted to share his story in hopes of helping others win their fight.

“I just want everyone to know they’re not alone, as long as I can keep fighting, they are not alone,” Porter said.

Doctors explain there is still a lot of research to be done when it comes to COVID-19 and stroke. If you or someone you know experiences any of the symptoms mentioned above, call 911 immediately.

Cox Media Group