[Ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke? Rapid diagnosis improves prognosis for the patient]

In industrialized countries, stroke is the third most common cause of death, and often leads to permanent disability. When clinical suspicion is raised, a thorough diagnostic work-up and treatment must be initiated without delay. In recent years, decisive advances have been made in this area, and the pathophysiological categorization of ischemic cerebral infarction has become accepted, with the modern imaging procedures having played a significant role. Reliable differentiation from intracerebral hemorrhage is enabled in particular by CCT and MRI, and is of great importance both for acute treatment and secondary prevention. Stroke units make available the necessary equipment and personnel. Patients who receive initial treatment on a stroke unit are already benefiting from a 31% reduction in mortality and severe disability.