[Brain injury and brain disease. Need and importance of early rehabilitation]

Early rehabilitation means rehabilitation which begins during the treatment for acute illness or trauma, immediately after the management of life-threatening conditions and stabilization of vital functions. Early rehabilitation is intended to make extensive use of the regenerative capacities of the brain and prepare effortless transition to further training programs. The necessity of early rehabilitation after severe brain injury or vascular brain disease is now recognized. However the means available now, i.e. trained staff, equipment and buildings, are insufficient. In order to estimate the resources needed the epidemiology of head and brain injury and vascular brain disease in Germany was analyzed by Infratest Gesundheitsforschung, Munich. The study was initiated and supported by the Kuratorium ZNS. The data concerning the years spanning 1987 to 1989 and the emerging conclusions will be presented. Also, important and meanwhile accepted suggestions for the founding and equipment of rehabilitative care units will be discussed.