[Mobile stroke unit for prehospital stroke treatment]

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Emergency Medicine
• Medical Technology

Background:

• Acute stroke management faces challenges due to delayed patient arrival, hindering timely, time-sensitive treatments.
• The "time is brain" principle underscores the critical need for rapid intervention in stroke care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of prehospital stroke diagnostic work-up and treatment.
• To assess the impact of specialized mobile stroke units on treatment initiation and patient triage.

Main Methods:

• Two randomized clinical trials were conducted using specialized ambulances equipped with advanced imaging (CT) and point-of-care laboratory systems.
• Prehospital interventions were compared against standard emergency medical services protocols.

Main Results:

• Prehospital treatment significantly reduced overall treatment times.
• A higher number of patients received acute stroke treatment within the critical first 60 minutes of symptom onset.
• Optimized triage to appropriate stroke centers was achieved.

Conclusions:

• Prehospital stroke management via mobile stroke units demonstrates superiority in reducing treatment delays.
• Mobile stroke units are being implemented globally, showing promise for improved stroke care.
• Further research is essential to determine optimal operational frameworks for prehospital stroke management.