A recent study published in JAMA Network Open has found a significant correlation between traumatic brain injury (TBI) and the risk of developing malignant brain tumors. Researchers analyzed 75,000 patients who experienced brain injuries from 2000 to 2024, comparing them with an equal number of controls from the general population.
The study discovered that mild concussions were not associated with brain tumor occurrence, but patients with moderate to severe brain injuries exhibited a significantly increased risk of malignant brain tumors. In fact, among 14,944 moderate to severe patients, 87 (0.6%) had malignant brain tumors confirmed within 3 to 5 years after the injury.
The researchers tracked TBI by classifying it as mild, moderate, or severe, with causes ranging from traffic accidents to falls. Patients with a prior history of brain tumors, radiation exposure, or benign tumors were excluded from the study.
Experts stress that individuals who have experienced brain injuries require regular brain health check-ups and long-term monitoring even after short-term recovery. The findings highlight the need for lifelong management of TBI patients to prevent future complications, including malignant brain tumors.
While the occurrence of brain tumors remains rare, the study’s results underscore the importance of ongoing surveillance and monitoring for individuals who have sustained brain injuries.
Source: https://biz.chosun.com/en/en-science/2025/08/26/6HVRY6PPOVAW3J7HZN3CHRYYAI