Differential effects of the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic on patients presenting to a neurological emergency room depending on their triage score in an area with low COVID‐19 incidence

Background We analyzed the effects of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on neurologic emergencies, depending patients' triage score in a setting with relatively few COVID-19 cases and without lack resources. Methods Consecutive patients tertiary care center dedicated emergency room (nER) were analyzed. The time period first lockdown Germany (calendar weeks 12–17, 2020) was retrospectively compared to corresponding 2019 regarding number presenting nER, specific scores (Heidelberg Neurological Triage Score), stroke, quality stroke care. Results A total 4330 included. Fewer presented themselves 2020 (median [interquartile range] per week: 134 [118–143] vs. 187 [182–192]; p = 0.015). median numbers week 1 (emergent) 4 (non-urgent) comparable (51 [43–58] 59 [54–62]; 0.132, 10 [4–16] 16 [7–18]; 0.310, respectively).The declined categories 2 3 (41 [37–45] 57 [52–61]; 0.004, 28 [23–35] 61 [52–63]; 0.002, respectively. No change observed absolute strokes (138 141 2020). Quality metrics revascularization therapies (symptom-to-door time, door-to-needle or relative therapies) severity remained constant. Conclusion During 2020, emergent symptoms constant, while fewer urgent nER. This may imply behavioral changes care-seeking behavior.