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Lupus
Synonym(s): Lupus - Neurological Sequelae, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Neurological Sequelae of Lupus
Lupus - commonly called systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) - is a disorder of the immune system. Normally, the immune system protects the body against invading infections and cancers. In lupus, the immune system is over active and produces increased amounts of abnormal antibodies that attack the body's tissues and organs. Lupus can affect many parts of the body, including the joints, skin, kidneys, lungs, heart, nervous system, and blood vessels. The signs and symptoms of lupus differ from person to person, the disease can range from mild to life threatening.
Symptoms of Lupus
Initial symptoms of lupus may begin with:
- A fever
- Vascular headaches
- Epilepsy, or psychoses
A striking feature of lupus is a butterfly shaped rash over the cheeks. In addition to headache, lupus can cause other neurological disorders, such as:
- Mild cognitive dysfunction
- 0rganic brain syndrome
- Peripheral neuropathies
- Sensory neuropathy
- Psychological problems (including personality changes, paranoia, mania, and schizophrenia)
- Seizures
- Transverse myelitis
- Paralysis and stroke
Treatment of Lupus
There is no cure for lupus. Treatment is symptomatic. With a combination of medication, rest, exercise, proper nutrition, and stress management, most individuals with lupus can often achieve remission or reduce their symptom levels. Medications used in the treatment of lupus may include aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, antimalarials, corticosteroids, and immunosuppressive drugs.
Prognosis for Lupus
The prognosis for lupus varies widely depending on the organs involved and the intensity of the inflammatory reaction. The course of lupus is commonly chronic and relapsing, often with long periods of remission. Most individuals with lupus do not develop serious health problems and have a normal lifespan with periodic doctor visits and treatments with various drugs.
Research Being Done
Investigators researching lupus seek to increase scientific understanding of the disorder and to find ways to treat, prevent, and ultimately, cure it. Several components of the National Institutes of Health support research on lupus.
For More Information visit www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/lupus/lupus.htm
Organizations
Lupus Alliance of America
3871 Harlem Road
Buffalo, NY 14215
info@lupusalliance.org
http://www.lupusalliance.org
Tel: 866-415-8787
Lupus Foundation of America
2000 L Street, N.W.
Suite 710
Washington, DC 20036
info@lupus.org
http://www.lupus.org
Tel: 202-349-1155 800-558-0121
Fax: 202-349-1156
American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association
22100 Gratiot Avenue
Eastpointe
East Detroit, MI 48201-2227
aarda@aarda.org
http://www.aarda.org
Tel: 586-776-3900 800-598-4668
Fax: 586-776-3903
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
National Institutes of Health, DHHS
31 Center Dr., Rm. 4C02 MSC 2350
Bethesda, MD 20892-2350
NIAMSinfo@mail.nih.gov
http://www.niams.nih.gov
Tel: 301-496-8190 877-22-NIAMS (226-4267)
References:
February 2007
www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/lupus/lupus.htm
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