Abstract
Stroke in Japan is the 3rd in death, 2nd in medical expense, and 1st in disability. The situation will become worse because of rapid increase in aged population. Stroke management, however, has made a great progress, that includes thrombolytic therapy in hyperacute ischemic stroke, carotid endarterectomy against severe carotid stenosis, etc. There is good evidence that specialized care in Stroke Unit can reduce mortality and morbidity, and improve outcome in stroke patients as compared with management in a general ward. Reconstruction of the stroke care system is def finitely required.
In the 54th Annual Scientific Meeting held in Osaka, November, 1999, we had an opportunity to chair the symposium (S-II) regarding medical care for stroke patients. The symposium consisted of 6 lectures and a designated discussion. There were fruitful arguments about many problems awaiting solution, such as hospital-clinic relationship, acute stroke nursing and rehabilitation, seamless care home nursing. In addition, we obtained information about current and future status of stroke care in Japan and Western countries. We hope this proceedings of the symposium will help resolve many problems surrounding medical service for stroke patients.
