Nervous System

Signs And Symptoms Of Peripheral Nervous System Lupus

In peripheral nervous system lupus, a variety of symptoms may occur depending on which nerves are involved.

Involvement of the cranial nerves can cause:
- visual disturbances
- facial pain
- drooping of the eyelid(s)
- ringing in the ear(s)
- dizziness.
Inflammation of the blood vessels supplying the peripheral nerves can lead to symptoms of
- numbness or
- tingling in the arms or legs
Occasionally, loss of sensation or muscular weakness in the extremities (e.g., carpal tunnel syndrome in the hands) can occur.

These symptoms may be due to conditions other than lupus. Electrical studies, such as electromyogram (EMG) and nerve conduction tests are usually helpful in determining if symptoms are due to some other cause. For example, a herniated disc or a metabolic abnormality as in diabetes can cause similar nervous system symptoms, but show different electrical study results.

Inflammation of the peripheral nerves (called mononeuritis multiplex) is treated with corticosteroids.

How Your Doctor Evaluates Nervous System Symptoms

If you have any nervous system symptoms, it is important for your doctor to know. The cause of your symptoms may be due to a condition other than lupus, or a medication, or a particular aspect of your lifestyle. The proper clinical evaluation will consist of:

an interview with your doctor,

a physical examination, and

a laboratory evaluation, including:

a blood chemistry panel
complete blood count (CBC)
urinalysis.

Diagnosis is difficult, as there is not one specific diagnostic test to detect nervous system involvement in lupus. However, certain diagnostic tests may be useful in determining nervous system involvement:

Diagnostic blood tests such as:
- sedimentation rate
- ANA
- anti-DNA
- anti-ribosomal P antibodies
- complement.
Neurodiagnostic tests currently available include:
- CT, SPECT and MRI brain scans
- brain waves or electroencephalogram (EEG)
- spinal taps
- PET scans are only available in a few hospitals.
The spinal fluid may be examined for cells, protein components and antineuronal antibodies.
Neuropsychologic tests may be helpful in patients with cognitive dysfunction.

How Your Doctor Treats Nervous System Symptoms

As noted above, the treatment of nervous system lupus depends upon its source. If any diagnostic difficulties are evident, a rheumatologist and/or neurologist should be involved in your care.

Treatment may include:
- steroids
- immunosuppressants
- blood thinners
- antibiotics
- anti-convulsants
- anti-depressants
- counseling
- surgery.
Response to treatment may be dramatic, or gradual improvement may occur over several months.
For many people with lupus, nervous system involvement is completely reversible.

Related Information

On this web site
Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome (APS)
Laboratory Tests
Medications
Steroids
Immune Suppressing Drugs

On the Internet
MedlinePlus: Bleeding Disorders - ITP, CBC
MedlinePlus: Diagnostic Imaging - MRI, CT scans
MedlinePlus: Fibromyalgia
MedlinePlus: Headache
MedlinePlus: Migraine
MedlinePlus: Peripheral Nerve Disorders - EMG, neuropathy
MedlinePlus: Seizures
MedlinePlus: Stroke

« Prev 1 2 3 4 [5]

Email This Article To A Friend - Print This Article