[Frequency and nature of neurologic emergencies]

In the last decade, it has been shown that neurological problems account for approximately 15% of medical emergencies treated in metropolitan France, in all types of medical establishments. Four major diagnostic groups are concerned: stroke, epilepsy and loss of consciousness, headache, confusional syndromes and behavioural disorders. Among patients seen in emergency units for neurological problems, 80% require hospital admission. These figures underline the need for medical and administrative directors of public hospitals to take greater account of the neurological emergency in providing adequate means to meet this demand.