Abstract Number ‐ 195: Impact of COVID‐19 on Stroke Treatment in Latin America

Abstract

Introduction Ischemic stroke is a neurological disease that affects people worldwide, and it occurs when there is a loss of blood to the brain due to either an artery burst or blood clot. The COVID‐19 pandemic has negatively impacted stroke treatment, specifically mechanical thrombectomy, across the world but especially in Latin and Central America. The objective of this research project is to determine the barriers that COVID‐19 has imposed on stroke treatment in the Latin America region. Methods First, data was collected from articles through NCBI and local news. The data on COVID‐19 and stroke provided input on the number of COVID‐19 cases in Latin America and the overall rate of stroke incidences in each region. Then, the countries in Latin America were divided into three different groups to determine which regions had the most Covid cases, sub‐optimal stroke treatments, and more well‐known health resources. Mexico was zeroed in on as the central region because more data and stroke resources were readily available. A survey was created which contained critical questions on the overall situation of stroke in Mexico and potential barriers, and these surveys were emailed to neurologists and other physicians who were experts in the region. Ultimately, two physicians from Mexico agreed to be interviewed, and important information was received on the status of stroke treatment in these areas. Results From the surveys and interviews, the two doctors revealed important information regarding the specific barriers to stroke treatment. The first doctor interviewed is a physician in a tertiary medical center for specialized neurological conditions. She raised concern about the lack of awareness among the general population about the early recognition of stroke and its symptoms. Additionally, she indicated that her center has the necessary endovascular equipment to offer mechanical thrombectomies, but patients are often unable to reach the hospital on time. Ambulances have been typically unavailable or delayed as they have been prioritized for transporting COVID patients. Additionally, there has been a lack of rehabilitation resources for stroke patients during the pandemic due to the shortage of beds and staff. The second doctor interviewed was additionally concerned about the lack of timely use of equipment for mechanical thrombectomies. When a patient is in need of thrombectomy treatment, the doctor has to contact the intermediary vendor, who brings the equipment for use, hence delaying treatment. He also stated that during the pandemic, a third of the beds were occupied by COVID patients, limiting the availability of hospital beds for other illnesses. Conclusions In conclusion, the COVID‐19 pandemic has negatively impacted stroke treatment in Mexico. The main barriers to stroke treatment include the limited awareness among the general population about the recognition of stroke, a lack of sufficient rehabilitation services, insufficient medical thrombectomy services and the delayed ambulance response. Based on this data, the intervention we are developing is an app that will display stroke‐specific resources and information. This platform will include information on how to recognize stroke, specific stroke‐care hospitals in the region, and helplines.