Search for:
Search for:
Healthcare Professionals
Publications
News
Español
Contact
Magazine
Radio
Donate
Get Educated
What is MS?
A chronic neurological disorder that affects the central nervous system, comprised of the brain...
More Details
Educational Materials
Common Questions
Lending Library
Symptoms
Treatment Options
Additional Resources
Research
MS Awareness Month
Get Help
Health & Wellness Program
Get educational materials and referrals, as well as the opportunity to participate in various...
Learn More
Grants & Programs
Awareness Campaigns
Support Groups
Events
Lending Library
Additional Resources
Get Involved
MS Awareness Month
An annual, nationwide campaign with goals to promote an understanding of MS, and to assist those...
Learn More
Advocacy
Buy from Partners
Volunteer
Businesses
MS Research Trials
Outreach
Awareness Campaigns
Host an Event
Events
Test Flyout
lorem ipsum dolor sit lorem ipsum dolor sit lorem ipsum dolor sit lorem ipsum dolor sit lorem...
Learn More
Events Calendar
Health & Wellness
Fundraisers
Support
Web & Teleconferences
MS Education
Host an Event
About Us
Programs & Grants
More Details
Overview
Press Room
Leadership
Financial Statements
Our Mission
Careers at MS Focus
Affiliations
News & Features
When Care(giving) Meet...
Live, educational event for the community around Greenville, SC.
/Events/MSF-Events/2019/One-Time-Events/When-Care(giving)-Meets-Love-(2)
Computer Program
The MS Focus Computer Program provides laptop or desktop computers for individuals with MS on...
/Get-Help/MSF-Programs-Grants/Computer-Program
Shop
Privacy
Terms of Use
Site Map
Concussion in teenagers increases MS risk later in life
September 19, 2017
A new study finds concussion in teenagers increases the risk of multiple sclerosis in later life. However, there is no link with MS for concussion in younger children. The authors said the results demonstrate how important it is to protect teenagers from head injuries.
A collaborative study between Örebro University and Karolinska Institutet showed concussion in adolescence increased the risk of MS in later life by 22 percent for one concussion, and teenagers who experienced two or more concussions were at more than a doubled risk of MS – 133 percent.
The researchers used medical records to identify concussion treated in hospital among children from birth to age 10 years; and in adolescence from ages 11 to 20. The risk of MS in later adulthood was examined for these two groups. Differences in the way the brain is developing in childhood and adolescence may explain why concussion in these two age groups does not carry the same risk of subsequent MS.
The next step is to investigate genetic influences, including how genes interact with other factors to determine MS risk. This includes looking at how genes influence the risk of MS associated with concussion in adolescence, as well as examining other exposures among teenagers, such as infections.
Researchers caution that ways should be considered to reduce the risk of head injury, especially repeated head injuries, when participating in sport. They said that MS is caused by a combination of genetic susceptibility and environmental exposures. Most of the young people who experience a head trauma should not worry as they will not carry the necessary genes and other risks that will result in MS in later life.
The study was published in the
Annals of Neurology
.
MS Focus Lending Library
Books, DVDs, and CDs are available for loan, by mail across the United States.
Learn more
Study uncovers potential risks of common MS treatment
Study finds an increased risk of events such as stroke, migraine, and depression, and abnormalities in the blood with taking beta interferon for MS.
Learn more