INTRODUCTION.

Time is an important factor in the treatment of acute stroke, with the COVID-19 pandemic adherence to guidelines can be affected. Stroke rates in the presence of COVID-19 have been reported around 5%, in addition to an increase in the consultation time of patients in other regions of the world and a greater occupation of ICU beds for respiratory pathologies that are usually intended for patients with stroke.

This document contains the recommendations of the Cerebrovascular Disease Committee of the Colombian Neurology Association based on the literature and voted by consensus.

OBJECTIVES.

Provide a quick guide adapted to the different stroke care scenarios in Colombia, divided into ready, primary and advanced centers, including a care route for a patient with suspected COVID-19 called the protected stroke code, which includes the use of protection elements for the patient and the healthcare team.

MAIN FACTS.

Among the main recommendations are the screening questionnaire on admission to the emergency department, the use of face masks for the patient, considering all suspected stroke code as COVID-19, taking the PCR for COVID-19 in all strokes and taking them to the buffer zone. In suspected large vessel occlusion, include chest tomography to image evaluation.

CONCLUSIONS.

Establishing guidelines of care during the COVID-19 pandemic allows optimizing protection for patients and health care personnel, reducing delays and trying to avoid patients not receiving adequate treatment at different levels of attention in the health system.

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