To report neurological manifestations seen in patients hospitalized with Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) from a large academic medical center in Chicago, Illinois. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed data records of 50 patients with COVID-19 who were evaluated by the neurology services from March 1, 2020-April 30, 2020. Patients were categorized into 2 groups based on timing of developing neurological manifestations: the "Neuro first" group had neurological manifestations upon initial assessment, and the "COVID first" group developed neurological symptoms greater than 24 h after hospitalization. The demographics, comorbidities, disease severity and neurological symptoms and diagnoses of both groups were analyzed. Statistical analysis was performed to compare the two groups. Results: A total of 50 patients (48% African American and 24% Latino) were included in the analysis. Most common neurological manifestations observed were encephalopathy (n = 30), cerebrovascular disease (n = 20), cognitive impairment (n = 13), seizures (n = 13), hypoxic brain injury (n = 7), dysgeusia (n = 5), and extraocular movement abnormalities (n = 5). The "COVID-19 first" group had more evidence of physiologic disturbances on arrival with a more severe/critical disease course (83.3% vs 53.8%, p 0.025). Conclusion: Neurologic manifestations of COVID-19 are highly variable and can occur prior to the diagnosis of or as a complication of the viral infection. Despite similar baseline comorbidities and demographics, the COVID-19 patients who developed neurologic symptoms later in hospitalization had more severe disease courses. Differently from previous studies, we noted a high percentage of African American and Latino individuals in both groups.

Background Decreased diffusion (DD) consistent with acute ischemia may be detected on MRI after acute intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), but its risk factors and impact on functional outcomes are not well defined. We tested the hypotheses that DD after ICH is related to acute blood pressure (BP) reduction and lower hemoglobin (HGB) and presages worse functional outcomes. Methods Patients who underwent MRI were prospectively evaluated for DD by certified neuroradiologists blinded to outcomes. HGB and BP data were obtained via electronic queries. Outcomes were obtained at 14 days and 3 months with the modified Rankin Scale (mRS), a functional scale scored from 0 (no symptoms) to 6 (dead). We used logistic regression for dependence or death (mRS 4 to 6). Results DD distinct from the hematoma was found on MRI in 36 of 95 patients (38%). DD was associated with greater BP reductions from baseline, and a higher risk of dependence or death at 3 months (OR 4.8, 95% CI 1.7 – 13.9, P=0.004) after correction for ICH Score (1.8 per point, 95%CI 1.2–3.1, P=0.01). Lower HGB was associated with worse ICH score, larger hematoma volume and worse outcomes, but not DD. Conclusions DD is common after ICH, associated with greater acute BP reductions, and associated with disability and death at 3 months in multivariate analysis. The potential benefits of acute BP reduction to reduce hematoma growth may be limited by DD. The prevention and treatment of cerebral ischemia manifested as DD is a potential method to improve outcomes.

Background and Purpose-There are few data on the effectiveness and side effects of antiepileptic drug therapy after intracerebral hemorrhage. We tested the hypothesis that antiepileptic drug use is associated with more complications and worse outcome after intracerebral hemorrhage. Methods-We prospectively enrolled 98 patients with intracerebral hemorrhage and recorded antiepileptic drug use as either prophylactic or therapeutic along with clinical characteristics. Antiepileptic drug administration and free phenytoin serum levels were retrieved from the electronic medical records. Patients with depressed mental status underwent continuous electroencephalographic monitoring. Outcomes were measured with the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and modified Rankin Scale at 14 days or discharge and the modified Rankin Scale at 28 days and 3 months. We constructed logistic regression models for poor outcome at 3 months with a forward conditional model. Results-Seven

Background and Purpose-Antiplatelet medication use and reduced platelet activity may be associated with mortality after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). We tested the hypothesis that reduced platelet activity is associated with early ICH clot growth and worse outcomes. Methods-We prospectively identified patients with spontaneous ICH, measured platelet activity (VerifyNow-ASA, Accumetrics) on admission, and recorded antiplatelet medication use. ICH volume was calculated using computerized volumetric analysis. Data were analyzed with nonparametric statistics and repeated measures ANOVA as appropriate.

The SAH score allows a practical method of risk stratification of the in-hospital mortality. The in-hospital mortality increases with increasing SAH mortality score. Further investigation is warranted to validate these findings.