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OBJECTIVE To assess the stroke awareness levels of individuals whose first-degree relatives had a stroke and to compare the results with those of individuals whose first-degree relatives did not have a stroke. MATERIALS AND METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted between March and May 2019, with first-degree relatives of patients who had a stroke (group 1) and a comparable set of individuals whose first-degree relatives did not have a stroke (group 2). Participants were asked to complete a questionnaire asking about signs and symptoms, risk factors, treatment options, information sources, responses after the development of stroke, and early treatment of stroke. RESULTS In response to the questions about the signs and symptoms of stroke, group 1 mentioned dizziness and comprehension disorder as a symptom of stroke more frequently than the other group. Stress was the second most frequently mentioned risk factor (by 81% of group 1 and 80.5% in group 2). When the participants were asked about the sources of information about stroke, family circle and friends were the most frequently mentioned sources for both groups. CONCLUSION The present study can serve as a guide in planning training to improve stroke awareness in the future, especially by including individuals whose first-degree relatives had a stroke.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a disease that affects many organs, especially the lung, and may lead to multiorgan failure. Studies describing neurological dysfunctions involving the central and peripheral nervous systems have emerged. In our study, we aimed to evaluate the neurological signs and symptoms in hospitalized patients with COVID-19. METHODS: The data of 290 patients admitted to our center (ward and intensive care unit) who received a diagnosis of COVID-19 were analyzed retrospectively. Patients' demographic, clinical and laboratory data, and their neurological diseases, symptoms, and complications were compared. RESULTS: Male sex, heart disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and having a history of neurological disease were associated with increased mortality in patients with COVID-19. Seizures and altered consciousness were also found to be more common in patients who died. In addition, lower platelet counts (P=0.001), higher C-reactive protein levels (P