Association Between Dispatch of Mobile Stroke Units and Functional Outcomes Among Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke in Berlin

Abstract

Quiz Ref ID Current guidelines recommend thrombolysis as rapidly as possible for treating acute ischemic stroke.¹ Mobile stroke units (MSUs) are ambulances equipped with a computed tomographic (CT) scanner designed to allow thrombolysis prior to hospital arrival.^2-4 Mobile stroke units shorten the time to treatment, increase thrombolysis rates, and improve prehospital triage.^5-8 However, potential effects of MSUs on functional outcomes after stroke are uncertain. Registry-based studies have suggested a potential for outcome improvement among patients who receive thrombolysis in MSUs compared with in-hospital thrombolysis.^9,10 Most guidelines do not explicitly comment on the use of MSUs, in part due to sparse evidence.^1,11 Currently, no randomized clinical trial has been completed.¹²