The German Brain Foundation: Strengthening Neurological Awareness, Care, and Research with RHÖN-KLINIKUM Campus Bad Neustadt as a New Member
Neurological diseases represent one of the most significant healthcare challenges of our time. In Germany, every second person will be affected by a neurological condition at some point in their lives—whether stroke, Parkinson’s disease, dementia, epilepsy, neuropathies, or numerous other disorders that impact the brain, spinal cord, or peripheral nervous system. As the prevalence of these conditions grows due to demographic change, longer life expectancy, and growing diagnostic awareness, the need for reliable information, expert guidance, and accessible treatment is increasing rapidly.
Against this backdrop, the German Brain Foundation has positioned itself as a vital supporter and advocate for neurological health across the country. The organization is a non-profit, mission-driven foundation with a clear and important goal: to increase public awareness of neurological diseases, provide trustworthy and understandable information, promote early detection, and support the development of innovative research and therapies. The foundation also serves as a knowledge hub for patients and their families, offering guidance and support during what can often be a challenging and uncertain time.
Recognizing the shared mission of improving neurological care and empowering communities, RHÖN-KLINIKUM Campus Bad Neustadt has officially become a member of the German Brain Foundation. With this step, the healthcare campus strengthens its long-standing commitment to providing high-quality neurological treatment and advancing education, prevention, and rehabilitation.
A Shared Commitment to Early Detection and Better Outcomes
Early detection is one of the most critical factors in improving outcomes for neurological diseases. Many conditions progress subtly and may not be recognized until symptoms become severe. In numerous cases—such as stroke, certain inflammatory disorders, and some neurodegenerative diseases—timely intervention can significantly reduce long-term disability or even prevent irreversible damage.
Dr. Volker Ziegler, Chief Physician of the Clinic for Neurological Early Rehabilitation and Neurological Intensive Care at RHÖN-KLINIKUM Campus Bad Neustadt, emphasizes the central role of education and awareness in improving public health outcomes.
“We know that in many neurological diseases, early intervention can significantly mitigate or even prevent the effects. That’s why education and easy access to sound information are very important to us,” explains Dr. Ziegler.
The partnership with the German Brain Foundation enhances these efforts. By supporting the foundation’s mission, RHÖN-KLINIKUM Campus Bad Neustadt helps ensure that patients and families receive the knowledge they need to recognize warning signs early and seek timely medical care.
A Certified Stroke Unit Providing Highest-Level Acute Care
One of the core strengths of RHÖN-KLINIKUM Campus Bad Neustadt is its highly specialized Stroke Unit, which holds national certification and is recognized for its excellence in acute neurological care. Stroke remains one of the leading causes of disability and death worldwide, and timely treatment is essential. The hospital’s interdisciplinary team—which includes neurologists, intensivists, neuroradiologists, therapists, and specially trained nursing staff—works seamlessly to provide rapid assessments, advanced diagnostics, and evidence-based treatment.
Dr. Hassan Soda, Chief Physician of the Department of Acute Neurology/Stroke Unit and Neurological Intensive Care, highlights the critical importance of public awareness in stroke care:
“Especially in the case of a stroke, it is crucial that the symptoms are recognized quickly. This requires not only trained physicians but also an informed public. This is precisely where the German Brain Foundation comes in, by raising awareness of neurological diseases and sensitizing the public.”
This partnership underscores the fact that hospital-based expertise and public education go hand in hand. While medical teams provide life-saving interventions, the wider community must also understand the early signs of stroke—such as sudden paralysis, facial drooping, speech difficulties, or sudden severe headache—to ensure that emergency care is accessed immediately. The German Brain Foundation plays a pivotal role in this aspect of healthcare, bridging the gap between clinical knowledge and public understanding.
Integrating Family Members into the Healing Process
Neurological diseases often affect not only the patient but also their relatives, who must navigate emotional, physical, and practical challenges during their loved one’s recovery. RHÖN-KLINIKUM Campus Bad Neustadt embraces a holistic, patient-centered treatment philosophy that includes the active involvement of family members throughout the care process.
Dr. Tobias Knieß, Head of the Clinic for Neurological Rehabilitation, explains the importance of this integrated approach:
“We actively involve family members in the therapy process to ensure the best possible support for patients.”
This collaborative approach ensures that relatives understand the disease progression, treatment goals, and rehabilitation strategies. In addition, the clinic has a team of nursing experts specially trained in family support, ensuring that caregivers receive personalized guidance and coaching. This holistic system is grounded in the belief that recovery is most successful when patients feel supported both medically and emotionally.
Strengthening the Region Through Partnership
By joining the German Brain Foundation, RHÖN-KLINIKUM Campus Bad Neustadt aims to continue shaping the future of neurological care in its region and beyond. The hospital’s leadership views this partnership as a natural step in their long-standing mission to provide comprehensive, high-quality neurological services.
Hannah Gilles, Managing Director at RHÖN-KLINIKUM Campus Bad Neustadt, expresses pride in supporting the foundation’s work:
“We are delighted to actively support the valuable work of the German Brain Foundation. Through its work, the foundation makes a crucial contribution to improving the care of patients with neurological diseases. We see ourselves as part of these efforts and want to do our part to ensure that patients in the region receive the best possible care.”
A Future Focused on Innovation, Collaboration, and Patient Well-Being
As neurological diseases continue to rise, collaborations like the one between RHÖN-KLINIKUM Campus Bad Neustadt and the German Brain Foundation become increasingly vital. These partnerships foster stronger networks between healthcare providers, research institutions, and patient communities, ultimately contributing to faster diagnostics, improved therapies, and better long-term outcomes.
RHÖN-KLINIKUM Campus Bad Neustadt brings to the foundation its clinical excellence, its well-equipped neurological departments, its certified Stroke Unit, and its commitment to patient- and family-centered care. In return, the German Brain Foundation amplifies these strengths through public outreach, nationwide education campaigns, and long-term support for neurological research.
Together, the two institutions are working toward a shared vision: strong neurological care that is accessible, compassionate, and grounded in the most advanced medical knowledge. This joint commitment promises to benefit not only current patients but also future generations who will rely on improved understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of neurological diseases.
