REHABILITATION RESULTS OF PATIENTS WITH COVID-19 RELATED STROKE

Abstract

The aim of the study is to examine the patients with COVID-19 associated stroke who were admitted to the inpatient rehabilitation program in terms of clinical features, ambulation level and functional status, and to reveal the improvements achieved as a result of rehabilitation. 29 COVID-19-related stroke patients (group 1) and 29 non-COVID-19 stroke patients (group 2) were included in this study. The groups were compared in terms of demographic and clinical characteristics, risk factors, post-stroke disorders and complications of stroke. Motor function was evaluated with the Brunnstrom Motor Recovery Staging (BMRS), ambulation status was evaluated with the Functional Ambulation Scale (FAS), and functional disability was evaluated with the Functional Independence Scale (FIM). Both groups of patients were compared in terms of pretreatment and posttreatment values of BMRS, FIM and FAS stages. In addition, the changes in BMRS, FIM and FAS values within the group were evaluated. Pulmonary involvement (mild/moderate-severe) and the use of anticoagulants after COVID-19 infection were investigated in patients with COVID 19 stroke. In patients with COVID-19-associated stroke, the mean age was statistically significantly lower (p=0.045), the risk factor hypertension was significantly less (p=0.016), pre-stroke anticoagulant use was significantly higher (p=0.004), and deep vein thrombosis was significantly higher (p=0.022). All patients with COVID-19 had pulmonary involvement. No statistically significant difference was observed between the two groups in the comparison of post-stroke disorders. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of BMRS, FIM and FAS values before and after treatment (p>0.05). The change in BMRS, FIM and FAS values within both groups was found statistically significant. According to the results of this study, COVID-19-related stroke is seen at younger ages and deep vein thrombosis is more common. Significant improvements are observed in motor and functional status after rehabilitation. Rehabilitation should be given importance in patients with COVID-19-related stroke, and care should be taken in terms of deep vein thrombosis during rehabilitation.