Stroke units in low and middle income countries (LMICs) save lives: application of the western model of stroke care

Abstract

Stroke is defined as a syndrome of rapidly developing clinical signs of focal or global disturbance of cerebral function with symptoms lasting 24 hours or longer or leading to death with no apparent cause other than of vascular origin. In the current management of stroke in developed countries, stroke units form a vital part of the care pathway. Stroke units save lives, reduce disability, mitigate against complications such as aspiration pneumonitis, facilitate early discharge home with timely interventions by a Multidisciplinary Team. Whilst the burden of stroke has decreased in high income countries, this decrease is lowest in sub-Saharan Africa.