[Early neurological-neurosurgical rehabilitation. Current state]

In German neurorehabilitation, the ambiguous term "early rehabilitation" reflects the multidisciplinary, rehabilitative treatment of severely impaired patients in continuing need of acute and intensive care (including weaning from the respirator in selected cases). The actual definition of this treatment is discussed, which hitherto corresponded to Phase B according to recommendations of the German Federal Study Group for Rehabilitation (BAR) and now has started to be integrated into the diagnosis-related group system. The tasks and aims of early rehabilitation are to support and enhance neuroplastic remission of nervous system functional loss and continued medical care, improve vigilance, establish cooperativity, and evaluate the rehabilitation potential including compensatory and adaptive strategies organizing posthospital care, reducing the need of nursing support, and improving quality of life. Some special aspects of early rehabilitative care are presented here in more detail. To fulfill these tasks, a multidisciplinary team is required including various therapists qualified for neurorehabilition, physicians (including a neurologist), nurses, and social workers. Outcome data were assessed using our 5-year prospective early rehabilitation registry. Fifty-five percent of patients improved to reach the next step of neurorehabilitation (Phase C), with significant gain in function even in the subgroup of aged and most severely disabled patients. The trend to transfer patients very early in the postacute Phase to early rehabilitation facilities, with open medical problems and increased risk of complications, makes close cooperation and interaction with acute medical centers necessary.