Multiple Sclerosis and a History of Traumatic Brain Injury

Abstract

Introduction: Given the potential impact of traumatic brain injury on the onset and severity of multiple sclerosis and its clinical importance, this study was conducted to compare the prevalence of multiple sclerosis in patients with a history of traumatic brain injury occurring before and after childhood and adolescence. Method: This descriptive-analytical, cross-sectional study was conducted between 2024 and 2025 at the Multiple Sclerosis Center in Isfahan. The sample was selected through a census and included patients with a definitive diagnosis of multiple sclerosis during this period who were included in the study. Patients were interviewed using a checklist, and the severity of disability caused by multiple sclerosis was determined through examination. Finally, patients were divided into two groups, those with and without a history of traumatic brain injury, and compared. Result: Significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of age at MS onset, smoking, pregnancy history, and spinal injury history (P<0.05). The age of MS onset was notably lower in patients who sustained TBI during childhood. Furthermore, the number of smokers in this group was significantly higher than in the other groups (P<0.05). Pregnancy history was significantly less frequent among patients who experienced TBI during childhood. Conversely, spinal injury was significantly less common in this group. The mean time between TBI and MS onset differed significantly between the two groups (P<0.05). Patients who experienced TBI during childhood developed MS after an average of 18 years-a significantly longer interval than those in the other group. Conclusion : Traumatic brain injury at a young age can be a factor in reducing the age of onset of MS.