The practitioner plays a key role in the primary and secondary prevention of stroke. For the treatment of an acute stroke immediate transfer to a specialized stroke unit is mandatory, while secondary prevention is oriented to the etiology of stroke. The risk factors need to be controlled more stringently than is the case for primary prevention. To ensure the appropriate organization of subsequent care, knowledge of the impairment profile and the support needed by the patient is obligatory. Apart from aiding social integration and providing medical treatment, the general physician also has the task of supporting the patient and, where necessary, treating emotional disorders. The rigorous treatment of secondary complications, or the reinstitution of rehabilitation measures to minimize functional impairments are tasks that can only be performed by the general practitioner.