[Stroke management in Germany]

Abstract

Stroke is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality (rank 3) and thus a mass disease. Therefore, immediate access for everybody to stroke treatment services is indispensible. Therapeutic efficacy has been shown for lysis therapy and early rehabilitation in stroke units, respectively. The British-Scandinavian stroke unit concept focusses on immediately starting rehabilitation over 4-6 weeks by a specifically trained and motivated team. Since 1995, so-called stroke units are established in Germany adhering to a specific concept of the German Society for Neurology (DGN). Although referring to the British-Scandinavian concept in terms of efficacy the German concept differs fundamentally by focussing on monitoring as well as lysis therapy and neuroprotection in a short (3-5 days) stay. This is an intensive care unit approach for which scientific evidence is lacking. More essential are reasonable doubts that this concept can ever expand sufficiently to ensure comprehensive care. At least presently, stroke care is provided unevenly, thus contravening legislation (section 70 Social Security Act Vol. V). Acknowledging the restrictions the DGN adapted its concept, now advocating a two-step model comprising intensive care stroke units plus rehabilitative stroke units.