[Patient with suspected apoplexy. A case for the stroke unit?].
Stroke units are monitoring centers providing for acute diagnostic work-up, immediate treatment and initial rehabilitation measures in patients suffering a stroke. Indications for admission to a stroke unit are, firstly, a suspected fresh stroke or a transient ischemic attack, provided the symptoms are not older than 24 hours, and, secondly, progressive, unstable symptoms. A major aspect of the stroke unit is the establishment of a differential diagnosis, which provides the basis for establishing the urgent treatment of an apoplectic attack. The goal is to prevent the progression of symptoms, which occurs in one-third of patients and leads to permanent sequelae. Using a number of cases, the activities of a stroke unit are described. To improve the acute management of such patients, a close network of regional and national stroke units needs to be put in place.
Aulich
K
K
Abt. für Neurologie und klinische Neurophysiologie, Krankenhaus München Harlaching, München.
Haberl
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RL
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D002544:Cerebral Infarction / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D003422:Critical Care; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D020766:Intracranial Embolism / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010348:Patient Care Team; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000925:Anticoagulants