Impact of Earthquake on Multiple Sclerosis Attacks

Abstract

Objective: The association between stressful life events and subsequent multiple sclerosis (MS) attacks has been frequently reported with conflicting results. In this study, we investigated the impact of a common stressor on MS attacks. Methods: We prospectively evaluated the attack and disability status of 48 consecutive relapsing remitting (RRMS) or secondary progressive MS (SPMS) patients (Group 1) exposed to 1999 Izmit earthquake in comparison to 34 consecutive MS patients (Group 2) with similar demographic and clinical features and living outside the earthquake zone.