A review of mobile stroke units

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. 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.

Automated summary

Mobile stroke units (MSUs) have been shown to significantly reduce treatment time and increase the number of patients treated within the first hour of symptom onset. Preliminary results from the Berlin B-PROUD trial indicate a positive impact on patients' mRS scores at 3 months. Studies from Germany suggest that the MSU model is cost-effective in reducing disability and improving quality-adjusted life years after stroke.