Microbiota-Neuroinflammation Crosstalk in Primary Brain Tumors: Focus on Glioblastoma.

Globally, the future incidence of stroke is likely to increase in both sexes, all age groups, and all socio-demographic groups []. Stroke also remains the second-leading cause of death and third-leading cause of death and disability []. Studies have shown higher incidence and death rates from stroke in Black patients compared to White patients. This is driven by the disproportionately higher incidences of hypertension and diabetes (which are known risk factors of stroke) in this group []. There are racial disparities in both stroke incidence [] and stroke recurrence [] in non-White ethnic patients. A higher proportion of White patients tend to present sooner following the onset of their stroke symptoms, receive thrombolysis and thrombectomy compared to minority ethnic patients in the USA []. It is yet unclear as to whether there are similar ethnic disparities in the post-stroke recovery period as there is a dearth of data on strategies to mitigate inequities in stroke rehabilitation []. In the UK, the healthcare system is free at the point of need. Current UK national guidance recommends that all stroke patients should receive a patient-centred structured review of their health and social care needs at 6 months after a stroke, usually in specialist settings, followed by an annual review in Primary Care []. Despite the importance in reviewing stroke patients particularly at the 6-month review, only around 40% of eligible patients actually receive this review []. There is a danger that not only are non-White individuals at heightened risk of stroke and the associated complications, there may also be further disparities in their subsequent post-stroke care. This also includes often hidden effects of stroke namely cognition. When compared to White stroke-survivors, Black patients are at increased risk of poorer neurocognitive outcomes []. Those from non-White (excluding white minorities) groups are also more likely to report worsening confusion or memory loss impacting their engagement in day-to-day activities []. As these are often the less visible deficits post-stroke, it is vital that services can detect and recognise these challenges to ensure earlier intervention and to reduce its impact particularly if there is a need to tailor this support to specific cultural groups. The aim of this exploratory study was to describe aspects of post-stroke care and outcomes during the 6-month follow-up period and to assess whether there are any differences across non-White ethnic groups, and the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown.