HomeAnswersNeurologyvaccinationWhat is the risk of getting COVID vaccine in a stroke patient?

Can a stroke patient get COVID vaccine while on blood thinners?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Vinodhini J.

Published At January 23, 2021
Reviewed AtJanuary 22, 2024

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

About four years ago, my mother was diagnosed with a moderate stroke. Her only symptom was vision disturbance for a short time and no after-effects. During the MRI, they detected a 3 mm aneurysm. The Neurologist was not concerned with that and told her to ignore it because it was a little bulge. She has been on Plavix and Aspirin since then. She has not followed up with the Neurologist since the initial stroke because she has had no further problems. She is 76 and very active. My question is about the COVID vaccine. My dad passed away from Opdivo immunotherapy, so that you can imagine my concern about new medical treatments. I know she is at risk if she gets COVID, but is she also at risk from the vaccine? Is it risky to take it when you are on a blood thinner, have a stroke history, and have a small brain aneurysm?

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand that your mother has been detected with an aneurysm 3 mm in size. It is a well-documented fact that incidentally detected aneurysm 3 mm or less should be left alone, so we need to worry about that.

As far as the COVID vaccine is concerned, there is no risk for her because of the vision disturbance, the aneurysm she has, or the fact that she is on Plavix and Aspirin. There is no risk of any adverse reaction to her because she should go ahead with the vaccination.

For her, the risk of getting COVID and its attendant problems are more than pre existing conditions worsening. I strongly recommend that she should get the COVID vaccine.

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

She has been to her family doctor every six months, but she has not followed up specifically on the stroke or aneurysm since it happened four years ago. Her regular doctor does not think follow-up with the Neurologist is necessary since she has done fine and had no other problems. Do you think she should check with the specialists for follow-up scans or medicine changes ( and discuss the Covid vaccine), or is it fine to regularly check with her general practitioner?

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

She does not require any visit to the neurologist for her stroke-related vision problem or an aneurysm. The GP is good enough for her issues. But to be more careful, I am sure her blood pressure, lipid profile, and blood sugar are being checked. There are guidelines for a person to decrease the risk of recurrence.

Maintain ideal body weight. Consume less pure sugar and salt. Do certain exercises for her age. No smoking and take alcohol only 120 ml/week and eat correctly. (According to Be colourful-American Heart Association guidelines).

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Abhaya Kant Tewari
Dr. Abhaya Kant Tewari

Neurology

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