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Published on: January 20, 2023
Mild Traumatic Brain Injury as a Risk Factor for Parkinsonism, Tics, and Akathisia: A Systematic Review and
Nashaba Khan1, Laura Romila2, Alin Ciobica3
1Department of Neurosciences, Leeds Teaching Hospitals, NHS Trust, Leeds LS97TF, UK.
Abstract:
This meta-analysis aimed to assess the association between mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and the risk of developing Parkinsonism. A systematic literature review was conducted using PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases. Studies were eligible if they reported on the association between MTBI and Parkinsonism. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) were calculated using a random-effects model. Publication bias was assessed using Egger's and Begg's tests. A total of 18 studies were included in this meta-analysis, with 1,484,752 participants. The overall OR for Parkinsonism in individuals with a history of mTBI was 1.637 (95% CI, 1.203-2.230; p = 0.01), indicating a significant association. The OR for Parkinson's disease (PD) specifically was 1.717 (95% CI, 1.206-2.447; p = 0.01). However, insufficient data on tics and akathisia limited a meta-analysis. There was no evidence of publication bias according to Egger's (p = 0.8107) and Begg's (p = 0.4717) tests. This meta-analysis provides evidence that mTBI is a significant risk factor for Parkinsonism, particularly PD. However, the findings should be interpreted with caution due to the heterogeneity among the studies included and the study's limitations. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and to investigate the underlying mechanisms of the mTBI-Parkinsonism association.
Insights
Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) significantly increases the risk of developing Parkinsonism, including Parkinson's disease (PD). This finding is based on a meta-analysis of 18 studies involving over 1.4 million participants.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Neuroscience
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is a common injury with potential long-term neurological consequences.
- Parkinsonism, a syndrome characterized by movement disorders, includes Parkinson's disease (PD) as its most common form.
- The relationship between mTBI and the subsequent risk of developing Parkinsonism remains an area of active investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a meta-analysis assessing the association between a history of mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and the risk of developing Parkinsonism.
- To quantify the risk of Parkinsonism and specifically Parkinson's disease (PD) following mTBI.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature review was performed using major databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library).
- Eligible studies reporting on mTBI and Parkinsonism were included.
- Pooled odds ratios (ORs) were calculated using a random-effects model, and publication bias was assessed.
Main Results:
- The meta-analysis included 18 studies with 1,484,752 participants.
- A history of mTBI was associated with a significantly increased risk of Parkinsonism (OR = 1.637, p=0.01).
- The risk of developing Parkinson's disease (PD) specifically was also elevated (OR = 1.717, p=0.01).
Conclusions:
- Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is identified as a significant risk factor for Parkinsonism, particularly Parkinson's disease (PD).
- While the association is statistically significant, findings should be interpreted cautiously due to study heterogeneity and limitations.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the underlying mechanisms connecting mTBI and Parkinsonism.
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