[Actual state and prospects of acute stroke treatment in the Grand-Duchy of Luxemburg]

Abstract

Stroke is a neurological emergency condition that warrants immediate hospitalisation on a stroke unit, where a dedicated team offers state-of-the-art diagnostic and therapeutic measures. Stroke units have shown to reduce mortality and handicap especially if thrombolysis is possible. A critical mass of stroke patients with standardised, simplified and automated processes is required to achieve good results. Stroke teams are no alternative to a stroke unit as a geographic unit. A turnover of less than 200-250 strokes per year is associated with a worse patient outcome and the treatment effect of a stroke unit may be abolished. The situation in Luxembourg offers the possibility to create units of this size and performance if all the concerned physicians and hospitals, health insurance and health administration join their efforts.