In normal cases, about one patient every two days with early symptoms of stroke comes to the emergency rooms in Östergötland. But according to Region Östergötland, the places of stroke care have been empty at Östergötland's three hospitals in recent weeks.

- We have seen a clear decline in patients who applied for early stroke symptoms, TIA, during the covid-19 pandemic. It is likely that there is concern about the coronary infection that makes you want to avoid coming to the hospital. But it is important to seek care as usual so as not to risk being seriously ill in a full stroke in the near future, says Patrick Vigren, chief operating officer and chief physician at the neurosurgical clinic at the University Hospital in Linköping in a press release.

During the pandemic, Region Östergötland has on several occasions previously stated that fewer patients seek care for acute illnesses, such as myocardial infarction and appendicitis. And the message from the region is clear - seek care for symptoms.

- If you experience symptoms of TIA or stroke, the advice is to call 112 immediately. The most important thing is to get to the hospital quickly so that the treatment that slows the stroke can be initiated, says Patrick Vigren.

TIA stands for transitory ischemic attack and is an early warning sign of stroke.

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