Treatment in acute stroke — Stroke unit is mandatory

During the past few years new fascinating treatment options like mechanical thrombectomy are included in the stroke treatment armamentarium. It has to be emphasized, however, that the base of all successful treatment options is still Stroke unit treatment. Since the 1990er years Stroke unit treatment is an evidence-based proven effective treatment in acute stroke resulting in an almost 25–30% decrease in mortality and morbidity. Essential components of a successful Stroke unit treatment are stroke team approach, early mobilization, early secondary stroke prevention, regulation of blood pressure, blood glucose levels and especially testing of swallowing function, and respectively its treatment. New technical developments should always be understood as add-ons on the groundwork of Stroke unit treatment.