Concussions Might Be Early Warning Sign For ALS, Study Argues

Key Takeaways

Concussions might serve as an early warning sign of ALS, rather than a contributing factor, a new study arguesPeople with a traumatic brain injury are more than twice as likely to develop ALSHowever, the increased risk lasts only two years, and people with concussion are diagnosed with ALS around the same age as those without

WEDNESDAY, Oct. 8, 2025 (HealthDay News) — Concussions and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) have been considered a potential cause of ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease.

But a new study argues the association might be the other way around, with concussions providing an early warning sign among folks already in the early stages of ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis).

The loss of muscle control that comes with early ALS might increase people’s risk