Stroke unit: a cost-effective care need

Introduction. The developement of stroke units (SU) has supposed a landmark in cerebrovascular diseases management. However, the high scientific evidence level in which the recomendations of attendance of acute stroke patients in SU do not correspond to the level of SU implantation. Methods. Review of the published studies on SU, with spetial atention to those demonstrating their efficacy and effectiveness. Finally, we will try to give answers to several open questions regarding the SU practical issues. Results. Stroke units are the stroke care model more efficacious in comparison with stroke teams as well as with non-neurological assistance. Every stroke patient can benefit from SU care. These units are efficient, costeffective and their benefits are consistent with time or operation. When comparing to other specific stroke therapies as aspirin or intravenous thrombolysis, SU have higher target population and higher benefit in terms of number of deaths or dependences avoided. News approaches in SU management as the implementation of noninvasive monitoring or clinical pathways could even improve their benefits. Conclusions. Stroke units are a cost-effective stroke care need, and they should be consider as a sanitary priority.