[History of the treatment of paralyzed patients in West Germany]

Based on the fundamental work of Sir Ludwig Guttmann coping with the comprehensive treatment of sufferers from spinal cord injuries, the Federal Republic of Germany developed a network of specialized Spinal Injuries Units after the second world war. This is described. There is no problem to admit this people by specialized services in time, regardless whether of traumatic or non traumatic origin. According to the prolonged life expectancy there may occur some difficulties in providing adequate aftercare for lifetime. Some tasks for the future are briefly mentioned.