Project exploring traumatic brain injury and risk of developing MND publishes results

Researchers at the University of Glasgow have published a large-scale population study examining the relationship between traumatic brain injury and the risk of developing motor neuron disease (MND).  

The research project, T-MND, which was jointly funded by MND Scotland, the MND Association and My Name’5 Doddie Foundation, has provided new understanding of the potential link between traumatic brain injury (TBI) and risk of MND.  

The possible association between TBI and MND has been a topic of discussion for many years, particularly following publications that indicated higher rates of MND among former contact sports players, such as rugby and football professionals. However, earlier studies have not drawn clear conclusions about the connection between TBI and MND. 

Drawing on health records from more than 340,000 adults across the UK, the study found that individuals with a history of TBI were over twice as likely to receive a subsequent MND diagnosis compared with matched individuals without a TBI history. However, this elevated risk was confined to the first two years following injury, after which no long-term increase in risk was observed. That this increased risk was mostly seen only in the two years immediately after the injury suggests that, in some cases, TBI might actually be an early sign of MND rather than a cause of the disease. For example, before they are diagnosed, someone with the earliest stages of MND may be unsteady on their feet leading to a risk of falls and TBI.  

The investigation was conducted using UK-wide electronic health records between 2005 and 2020 and represents one of the most comprehensive population-level studies on this topic to date. 

Willie Stewart, Consultant Neuropathologist, said: “These observations highlight the very complex relationship between head injury and risk of MND. The possibility that TBI might be an early indicator of developing MND is an important finding and might suggest increased surveillance in highest risk patient populations may be of benefit.”  

Dr Jane Haley, Director of Research at MND Scotland, said: “We don’t understand enough about what causes MND, which makes it difficult to help people reduce their risk. This study suggests that, while there may be a link between TBI and MND, it might not increase the long-term risk of developing MND and may, instead, be an early indicator of the disease developing.”  

The full article, “Traumatic Brain Injury and Risk of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis”, is available open access via JAMA Network Open.