Blog

54% of Americans Face a Hidden Brain Crisis

Over half of Americans unknowingly grapple with neurological conditions that often begin earlier than you’d expect.

Story Overview

54% of Americans live with at least one neurological disorder.
Common conditions include tension-type headaches and migraines.
The prevalence in the US exceeds global rates due to common low-disability issues.
Many conditions start earlier in life, contributing to a hidden burden.

The Hidden Epidemic

A staggering 54% of Americans, equating to over 180 million people, live with a neurological disorder, according to a 2025 Yale-led study published in JAMA Neurology. These findings reveal that neurological conditions are the leading cause of health loss in the US, measured by disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs). Common disorders include tension-type headaches affecting 122 million, migraines impacting 58 million, and diabetic neuropathy in 17 million individuals. These conditions often manifest earlier in life, challenging the assumption that they are primarily age-related.

The analysis emphasizes that the prevalence of these disorders in the US is higher than the global rate, with the US standing at 54% compared to 43% worldwide. This discrepancy is largely driven by the high incidence of headaches and migraines. The study highlights the need for increased attention to the early onset of these conditions, which often go unrecognized and untreated, contributing to a significant but hidden health burden.

Watch:

Historical Context and Current Landscape

The Global Burden of Disease (GBD) project, initiated in 1990, has been instrumental in tracking the prevalence of neurological disorders globally. The US-specific analysis shows that between 1990 and 2017, despite a decline in age-adjusted rates for some conditions like stroke and Alzheimer’s, the absolute number of cases increased. By 2021, the GBD data confirmed that neurological disorders were the leading cause of DALYs in the US, with a 10% rise in years lived with disability, despite a 15% drop in mortality rates.

The aging US population exacerbates the burden, particularly among individuals aged 80 and above, who face the highest DALYs. The study’s findings underscore the importance of addressing these conditions as a public health priority, particularly given the projected doubling of global cases by 2050.

Meet My Healthy Doc – instant answers, anytime, anywhere.

Stakeholders and Motivations

The study was led by Dr. John P. Ney from Yale University, with contributions from Dr. Jaimie Steinmetz of the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington. Their research aims to quantify the burden of neurological disorders and drive policy changes that can improve employment and quality of life through early intervention. The American Academy of Neurology (AAN) has also amplified these findings, advocating for increased investment in neurological health and equitable care access.

The collaboration between these institutions highlights the power dynamics in the field, with IHME providing authoritative data and academic partners like Yale and UW using their platforms to influence policy and clinical practice. The American Brain Foundation and other philanthropies echo these efforts, underscoring the importance of addressing this growing health crisis.

Implications and Future Directions

In the short term, heightened awareness of the prevalence of neurological disorders is likely to increase demands for healthcare access and interventions. In the long term, the rising burden of chronic disability, driven by a 10% increase in years lived with disability, will strain the US healthcare system. This calls for a reevaluation of resource allocation and investment in neurological research and care.

The economic, social, and political impacts of this health crisis are profound. Neurological disorders are eroding workforce participation and quality of life, prompting calls for policy investment in neurology. The healthcare sector faces a growing demand for chronic care management, while pharmaceutical companies find opportunities in developing treatments for conditions like migraines and diabetic neuropathy.

Chat safely, anytime, with My Healthy Doc.