role of the acute stroke unit
Last reviewed 01/2018
An acute unit is an integrated medical ward with special skills in the management of acute stroke. The main activities on the unit are:
- investigation of the stroke:
- ECG
- echocardiography
- carotid doppler scanning
- CT scanning
- prevention of complications:
- swallowing assessment and prevention of aspiration
- compression stockings and low dose heparing
- secondary prevention:
- aspirin
- warfarin
- carotid endarterectomy
- lipid lowering therapy
- nursing care
- rehabilitation
There is no strong data to indicate that the acute stroke unit reduces mortality however historical comparisons suggest that:
- length of stay in hospital is reduced
- secondary prevention is more thorough
- therapists are involved earlier for rehabilitation
Typically patients are moved to a stroke rehabilitation unit after 1-2 weeks.