1.2 million cases of brain diseases in Bulgaria in 2022

More than 1.2 million cases of brain diseases were registered in Bulgaria in 2022 – an alarming statistic that places our country among the nations with the highest morbidity rates in Europe. The data was released today during a round table organized by the “Brain Health Council” Foundation in partnership with the Bulgarian Medical Association and the Sofia Medical Association, where the draft National Plan for Brain Diseases of the Republic of Bulgaria (2026–2030) was presented.

The document outlines a long-term strategy for building a sustainable, integrated, and high-tech system for prevention, early diagnosis, treatment, rehabilitation, and social support for people with brain diseases.

“Caring for brain health is no longer just a medical issue – it is a moral, social, and economic necessity. Investing in brain health is an investment in human capital and the future of Bulgaria,”
emphasized Cor. Mem. Prof. Nikolay Gabrovski, MD, Chairman of the “Brain Health Council” Foundation and moderator of the discussion.

The National Plan offers a strategic response to one of the most serious health challenges of the 21st century, aligning with the priorities of the World Health Organization and the European Brain Council. It includes five key areas: science, data, and innovation; access and quality of care; integration and coordination of activities; public awareness and social support; and policies and sustainability.

The discussion was attended by the Minister of Health, Assoc. Prof. Silvi Kirilov, the Governor of the NHIF, Assoc. Prof. Petko Stefanovski, the Chairman of the BMA, Dr. Nikolay Branzalov, and the Chairman of the SMA, Dr. Assen Medzhidiev.

“The National Plan envisages the involvement and interaction of all stakeholders. A sustainable framework for brain health care is being established in our country. I am convinced that today’s expert decisions will turn into tomorrow’s real actions,” Minister Kirilov stated.

Assoc. Prof. Petko Stefanovski emphasized that the NHIF will continue to support the efforts of the medical community toward timely diagnosis and rehabilitation, which help patients regain their confidence and fully realize their potential in society.

The plan envisages the construction of a national monitoring system and digital infrastructure, the implementation of telemedicine and artificial intelligence, as well as the creation of national registries for brain diseases. Emphasis is placed on investing not only in technology but also in people – doctors and healthcare professionals – through continuing education and the creation of structures for post-treatment and long-term care.

The first part of the forum was dedicated to proposals from leading scientific and professional organizations. Acad. Ivan Milanov, Chairman of the Bulgarian Neurological Society, and Prof. Dimitar Maslarov, member of the Foundation’s Board, presented measures for developing a network of centers for diagnosis, acute treatment, and rehabilitation after stroke. Prof. Georgi Onchev, Deputy Chairman of the Bulgarian Psychiatric Association, focused on the integration of mental health into general medical practice and the fight against stigma.

Cor. Mem. Prof. Nikolay Gabrovski presented the proposals of the Bulgarian Society of Neurosurgery, aimed at improving emergency neurosurgical care and developing rehabilitation programs. According to him, the national plan is “a real tool for action – not just a document, but a vision for change and a common cause for better brain health.”

Health economist Arkadi Sharkov, a member of the Foundation’s Board, pointed out that in 2024, brain diseases led to over 800,000 disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), representing about one-third of the total disease burden in the country. Economic losses are estimated at over €1.2 billion annually – an argument in favor of early prevention and access to quality treatment.

The Chairman of the BMA, Dr. Nikolay Branzalov, pointed out that the topic of brain health is of exceptional importance not only for public health but also for patients and the medical community:

“The efforts of leading specialists will lay the foundations of a modern and effective national approach that will unite scientific potential, clinical experience, and health policies.”

The Chairman of the SMA, Dr. Assen Medzhidiev, added that the Association includes nearly 100 neurosurgeons, 400 neurologists, and 200 psychiatrists – evidence of the organization’s strong expert potential in this field.

Experts outlined the main challenges facing the system – chronic underfunding, lack of integration between health and social services, staff shortages, and low public awareness. Key solutions identified included better use of European resources, educational programs, and coordination between institutions.

In the second panel of the event, contemporary scientific and technological achievements were presented: Prof. Dimitar Maslarov spoke about timely thrombolytic treatment for acute ischemic stroke; Prof. Nikolay Gabrovski on robotization and artificial intelligence in neurosurgery; and Cor. Mem. Prof. Tsvetalina Tankova on the link between metabolic disorders, obesity, and cognitive decline.

Brain diseases remain one of the greatest challenges of modern medicine – they are the leading cause of disability and the second most common cause of death worldwide. According to data from The Lancet Neurology (2024), over 3 billion people worldwide – or 43% of the population – live with brain-related conditions. In Europe, 179 million people are affected, and annual costs exceed €800 billion – more than the funds for treating cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and diabetes combined.

In Bulgaria, stroke is the cause of nearly 16% of all deaths, and in 2022, over 33,000 Bulgarians lost their lives due to brain diseases.