Lupus can affect almost any part of the body, including the nervous system and brain. The central nervous system includes the brain and spinal cord, while the peripheral nervous system includes all of the nerves that branch out from the brain and spinal cord and run to other parts of the body. Peripheral nervous system involvement in neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus (NPSLE) has shown to potentially have a significant impact on overall outcome of the disease; however, there has been little data on the subject. 

A new study investigated the prevalence and clinical features of peripheral nervous system involvement in people with SLE. The study reviewed patient records from 1,224 SLE patients from 2000 to 2014. The results showed that prevalence of PNS manifestations in the lupus sample was similar to previous research and highlighted that PNS involvement is a potential complication in lupus. The study concluded that people with lupus experiencing PNS symptoms should undergo neurological assessments, particularly those with later onset lupus and who have greater damage and disease activity.

Learn more about how lupus affects the nervous system.