Association of multiple sclerosis with stroke: A comprehensive review

• Published in: Health science reports 2024-01, Vol.7 (1), p.e1837-n/a
• Main Authors: Marsool, Mohammed Dheyaa Marsool, Prajjwal, Priyadarshi, John, Jobby, Keluskar, Harshada S., Sivarajan, Venu V., Kundiri, Khadijah A., Lam, Justin R., Chavda, Sachi, Atew, Hundaol G., Marsool, Ali Dheyaa Marsool, Hameed, Al‐Tuaama A. Z., Hussin, Omniat A.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Allergy; Aneurysms; Arthritis; Autoimmune diseases; Brain research; Cardiology; cerebrovascular disease; Critical Care Medicine; Disease prevention; disease‐modifying therapies; Emergency Medicine; Endocrinology and Metabolic Disorders; Epidemiology; Gastroenterology/Hepatology; General Medicine; Genetics and Genomics; Geriatrics; Inflammation; Ischemia; Multiple sclerosis; Narrative Review; Nephrology; Neurodegeneration; neuroinflammation; Neurology; Pathology; Pathophysiology; Patients; Psychiatry; Public Health; Risk factors; Stroke; Tumor necrosis factor-TNF; vascular risk factors
• ISSN: 2398-8835; 2398-8835
• DOI: 10.1002/hsr2.1837

Background Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic immune‐mediated disorder characterized by the degradation of the myelin sheath in the central nervous system. Research indicates that individuals with MS exhibit a higher susceptibility to stroke compared to the general population. This association is rooted in shared underlying mechanisms, specifically involving neuroinflammatory processes. Methodology We performed an extensive search on PubMed, MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Google Scholar using specific terms. The search terms included variations of “multiple sclerosis,” “stroke,” “cerebrovascular disease,” “vascular risk factors,” “disease‐modifying therapies,” and “neuroinflammation.” The search was limited to articles published from January 1, 2000, up to 31 May, 2023. Results and Discussion Stroke, a global health burden characterized by significant mortality and adult disability, underscores the critical importance of understanding the link between MS and stroke. Despite a growing body of research establishing an elevated risk of stroke in MS patients, notable information gaps persist. Limited prospective multicenter studies on stroke incidence in MS patients contribute to an incomplete understanding of the precise relationship between these two conditions. Conclusion In conclusion, this review underscores the critical need for a thorough understanding of the complex relationship between MS and stroke. The identified risk factors and the influence of MS DMTs on stroke risk necessitate further investigation to inform evidence‐based preventive and therapeutic strategies. Bridging the existing information gaps through prospective multicenter studies is imperative for a comprehensive understanding of this association. The development of targeted diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for acute stroke risk in MS patients is paramount to mitigate the impact of these debilitating conditions. Ultimately, this review serves as a foundation for future efforts to enhance preventative measures and therapeutic interventions, thereby improving the overall quality of life for individuals with MS susceptible to strokes.