[7 reasons for hospitalizing stroke patients in special treatment units]

THE HELSINGBORG DECLARATION: One of the primary objectives of the Helsingborg declaration was that all patients should have access to care in a neurovascular unit. However to date, only a few specialized facilities are available in Europe. SEVEN GOOD REASONS: There are seven good reasons why patients suffering cerebral vascular events should be hospitalized in specialized care units. 1. Improve chances of survival and recovery: mortality at 3 and 12 months is 25% lower in patients hospitalized in specialized units and the combined risk of death and institutionalization is reduced by one-third. The beneficial effect in terms of survival and function persists at 5 years. 2. Provide optimal management for emergency conditions which may be confounded with cerebral vascular events and which require emergency care. 3. Optimize health care organization. 4. Favor research and teaching. 5. Reduce health expenditures related to cerebral vascular events. 6. Inform health authorities of the needs of this population. 7. Prepare for the possible development of intravenous thrombolytic therapies. OUTDATED ATTITUDE: Fatalism and nihilism is no longer an acceptable attitude. Cerebral vascular events must be considered as an emergency condition and our health care system must change, adapting health care facilities to this new situation. Neurovascular units provide one of the most effective tools to meet this challenge.