[The intensive treatment of apoplexy (author's transl)].

Up to one third of patients in neurological clinics suffer from cardiovascular diseases. The brain being particularly prone to disturbances, first priority goes to emergency measures taken by the doctor who initially treats the case and to the subsequent treatment in a wellequipped intensive ward in order to reduce to a minimum the residual loss of brain function. A neurological intensive ward offers, in addition to the basic installations for the conservative disciplines, variable equipment including mechanical respirators, and mobile neurophysiological investigation instruments. Drug medication prevalently consists of volume controlled infusions with plasma expanders and circulatory regulation. Alternatives are discussed. Rehabilitation and physiotherapy are essential from the beginning.