Today we mark the European Stroke Awareness Day – an initiative that originated in the 1990s through the European Stroke Initiative (EUSI) and is now further developed by the European Stroke Organisation (ESO) and Stroke Alliance for Europe (SAFE). In recent years, the day has been observed on the second Tuesday of May through campaigns across different European countries focused on prevention, timely treatment, rehabilitation, and life after stroke.
On this occasion, the Association for Stroke and Aphasia organized a press conference bringing together representatives of patient organizations, scientific societies, the academic community, and specialists in neurology, rehabilitation, and speech and language therapy to highlight the need for consistent and large-scale measures to address stroke in Bulgaria.
The press conference included representatives of the Association for Stroke and Aphasia, the Bulgarian Stroke Society, the Bulgarian Society of Neurology, the Bulgarian Association of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine, and Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”.
Among the main topics discussed were:
• The National Stroke Plan 2026–2030;
• the development of high-technology stroke centers in Bulgaria;
• the need for accessible and long-term rehabilitation;
• the proposed clinical pathway for robot-assisted rehabilitation;
• the development of Aphasia Speech Therapy Centers;
• the need for better recognition of the disabling impact of aphasia.
During the initiatives, participants emphasized that stroke is not only a medical emergency, but also a long-term social and societal challenge that changes the lives of entire families. Around 50,000 new stroke cases are registered in Bulgaria every year, and stroke remains among the leading causes of death and disability in the country.
As part of the awareness activities held across Bulgaria, the Association for Stroke and Aphasia also appealed to Bulgarian municipalities to share a public message aimed especially at young people and the growing prevalence of risk factors increasingly observed in younger age groups – chronic stress, lack of sleep, smoking, high blood pressure, and heart rhythm disorders.
IF YOU ARE READING THIS –
IT IS NOT TOO LATE FOR YOU.
Stroke affects everyone.
Stress. Lack of sleep. Smoking. High blood pressure.
All of these can be controlled.
Only the lost time in taking care of your health is irreversible.
Learn more:
stroke.bg/sega
The Association for Stroke and Aphasia reminds the public that a large proportion of strokes can be prevented through timely control of risk factors and greater awareness. The organization also urges people to recognize the warning signs of stroke – facial drooping, weakness in an arm or leg, speech difficulties, sudden balance problems or vision disturbances – and to call emergency services immediately if such symptoms appear.
More information:
stroke.bg