Der Nervenarzt
-
The German medical service and social support network for patients with neurological diseases and disabilities are publicly criticized as inadequate. However, the German social laws give everybody the legal right to be admitted not only for acute medical treatment but also for rehabilitation measures if they are going to be disabled and at risk of becoming dependent on care or of losing the ability to work. Rehabilitation beginning in the early stage of illness is required. ⋯ Patients with severe traumatic brain injury or cerebral hypoxia often require phase B care, while those who have had a stroke and those with some other neurological diseases (e.g. multiple sclerosis) often require institutions offering phase C rehabilitation. Acute treatment, rehabilitation, care and aftercare must be connected as a chain of services. Problems of sharing the costs among the different parts of the German social insurance system has hitherto led to gaps in that chain.