Dear Colleagues,

On behalf of Central and Eastern European Stroke Society I am pleased to invite you to Warsaw, Poland for the 2^nd International Congress of Central and Eastern European Stroke Society from 3-5 April, 2008.

Stroke is a major medical issue and one of the leading causes of mortality and disability in the world. There are wide variations  between  European countries in stroke incidence and mortality rates which clearly indicate that stroke is preventable. The prospects for stroke prevention continue to advance. Risk factor management, antiplatelet, anticoagulant and surgical therapy reduce the incidence of stroke and reduce the risk of brain damage caused by vascular changes. Current knowledge and perspectives in primary and secondary  stroke prevention will be discussed during the Congress with the participation of eminent world specialists in this field.

On October 10th 1996 from the initiative of Professor Zoltan Nagy from Budapest in Hungary opinion leaders from the region met and established the Central and Eastern European Stroke Society (CEESS). Apart from Zoltan Nagy the founders were Vida Demarin from Croatia, Pavel Kalvach from the Czech Republic, Jovan Strikovity from Yugoslavia, Juris Friesbergs from Latvia, Daiva Rastenyte from Lithuania, Anna Czlonkowska from Poland, Pavel Traubner from Slovakia, Anton Mesec from Slovenia and Anton A. Buleca from Ukraine. Not without reason they have accepted ‘stroke management is local, stroke research is global’ as their motto.

So far following events were organized: Ist Conference in Budapest (1999);  Satelite Syposium in Ljubljana (2005); Teaching Courses: Prague (1996), Zagreb (1997), Falenty (2001) and Kazimierz Dolny (2006) in Poland, Dubrovnik (2006).  This time we invite you to Warsaw – capital of Poland.

Warsaw is Poland's largest city and its main economic, cultural and educational centre. The city spans the Wisła (Vistula River). The charming Old Town, cobbled streets, baroque palaces, historic churches, monuments and beautiful parks contrast here with the city centre's 235-meter high Palace of Culture and Science, recent skyscrapers and their panoramic views. Its many museums exhibit impressive collections of art and history. One can also find here an extensive restaurant, club and entertainment scene. In a nutshell: Warsaw offers more than enough to make conference participation and perhaps a longer visit attractive not only scientifically.

Looking forward to seeing you in Warsaw,

With regards,

Anna Członkowska

Maciej Niewada