'Covid-19 contributed to my stroke': New funding for research into the long-term impact of coronavirus
There are more than 1.2 million stroke survivors living in the UK
A stroke victim says his "life has changed forever" after he suffered the stroke as a result of contracting Covid-19.
48-year-old Baz Singh, from Solihull, was admitted to hospital after testing positive for the virus in October 2020.
After being discharged, Baz began to notice visual disturbances in his left eye and headaches.
Returning to hospital after calling 111, an MRI and CT scan soon revealed that Baz had actually had a stroke after a blood vessel had burst at the back of his head.
Baz Singh said: "I lost strength in my left hand, part of my left arm, I have severe headaches and dizziness, and I have memory blanks as well.
"I have difficulty dressing myself, I've had to stop driving because I can't drive a manual car as I have weakness in my left leg as well, and visual problems with my left eye.
"Long-term, it's effected the way I interact with my children, the way I work and it's a constant worry for my kids and family.
Baz was shocked to learn from doctors that contracting coronavirus had actually contributed to his stroke.
He's is also from a South Asian background and says he and his community are more at risk of stroke.
He continued: "We never talk about disabilities or illnesses because it's bad luck.
"I'd suffered a heart attack in 2019 and the doctors said to me that I was in a high-risk group and getting Covid could be really bad for me.
New funding to find impact of coronavirus on strokes
The Stroke Association is now funding the world’s first study to determine the long-term impact of Covid-19 on stroke survivors.
It is thought that the virus could be increasing the chance of blood clots forming in the brain and blocking blood flow and the charity is hoping research will investigate the difference the virus could make to stroke recoveries.
Baz added: "This research is so important because if it can save another person from going through what I did then it's fully worth it.
"Having research carried out to see if there are any early signs or help with recovery is a god-send really.
"Without pioneering techniques there will be a lot more people with stroke and a lot more deaths - I wouldn’t be alive without it."
Stroke is a sudden brain attack, stroke strikes every five minutes, and there are more than 1.2 million stroke survivors living in the UK. However, this is set to rise; it is predicted that the number of stroke survivors aged 45 and over could rise to 1.4 million in 2025, and 2.1 million in 2035.
Dr Rubina Ahmed, Research Director at the Stroke Association, said: “Stroke is a leading cause of adult disability in the UK and the second biggest killer in the world. It’s extremely concerning that we’re seeing strokes happening in ways we have not seen before.
"This research is absolutely critical in understanding and treating stroke after Covid-19, to help reduce the devastating effects and ultimately improve lives.
"Covid-19 is here to stay, so it’s vital we can prevent and treat strokes linked with the virus."
If you would like to donate and support the Stroke Association, visit: https://www.stroke.org.uk/donate/make-donation