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A review of mobile stroke units

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Abstract

Purpose of review

Mobile stroke units (MSUs) for prehospital treatment and management of patients with acute stroke have been developed more than a decade ago and is currently spreading worldwide. This review discusses the history of MSU and current operations and research.

Recent findings

Multiple studies have shown that MSU can significantly reduce treatment time with a tenfold increase of patients treated within the first 60 min of symptom onset. Recent preliminary results from the Berlin Prehospital or Usual Delivery of Acute Stroke Care trial (B-PROUD) showed a positive shift in modified Rankin Scale (mRS) scores at 3 months for patients treated in MSUs. Two German studies indicate that the MSU model is cost effective by reducing disability and improving adjusted quality-life years after stroke.

Summary

The MSU model for prehospital management of acute stroke is spreading worldwide. More research is needed, however, to establish cost-effectiveness, efficacy and best setting for prehospital stroke management.

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Funding

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Disease, Columbia University Medical Center, 710 W 168th St, New York, NY, 10032, USA

    Jennifer Harris

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  1. Jennifer Harris
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JH: contributed to the idea and wrote the manuscript.

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Correspondence to Jennifer Harris.

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Harris, J. A review of mobile stroke units. J Neurol 268, 3180–3184 (2021). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00415-020-09910-4

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