Lupus and the Nervous System
Some people with lupus have problems with their nervous system. Lupus can cause problems in any part of the nervous system.
How does lupus affect the nervous system?
The nervous system has 3 parts:
- Central nervous system — the brain and spinal cord
- Peripheral nervous system — the nerves that make your muscles move and tell your brain what your body is feeling
- Autonomic nervous system — the system that controls internal processes like your breath, heartbeat, and blood flow
Lupus and the Central Nervous System
Lupus in the central nervous system (CNS) is sometimes called CNS lupus or Neuropsychiatric lupus. Symptoms include:
- Confusion and trouble concentrating (sometimes called lupus brain fog)
- Seizures (sudden, unusual movements or behavior)
- Stroke (blocked blood flow in the brain that causes brain cells to die)
Many people with lupus sometimes have confusion, memory loss, and trouble expressing thoughts. The medical term is cognitive dysfunction. These symptoms can come and go. Lupus brain fog can be frustrating, but you can learn to live with your symptoms and improve your quality of life. Talk with your doctor about ways to cope with lupus brain fog.
Watch this video to learn more about lupus fog.
Remember that any medicine you take for lupus can have side effects. Talk with your doctors about what changes to watch for with the medicines you’re taking. And tell your treatment team right away if you have any side effects.
Watch this video for tips on managing side effects of lupus treatments.
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