Stroke Unit - the requirements for optimal treatment of acute stroke

Organised care of stroke patients is based on scientific evidence from randomized controlled trials, clinical practice guidelines, and expert consensus. Important features include emergency room facility, the presence of a dedicated stroke unit ward, and a multiprofessional team approach. In adherence to diagnostic and therapeutic time-windows, intravenous thrombolytic therapy, periods of automated monitoring, access to decompressive craniectomy and intraarterial thrombolysis or clot removement, early swallowing diagnostics and therapy, early mobilization and rehabilitation are warranted. Further supported discharge and basic aftercare with treatment of risk factors and post-stroke prevention are consequently applied. The main components of the necessary infrastructure, technical equipment, diagnostic pathways, therapeutic interventions, nursing care and multiprofessional rehabilitation are to be organised and planned for each institution, who aims to treat stroke patients. This also covers the hospital environment and interactions between the stroke unit and other departments. Quality indicators are also required.