Neurological Symptoms Of Lupus

[Guest guest]

Neurological Symptoms Of Lupus

Lupus

(also called systemic lupus erythematosus or SLE) is

a disorder of the immune system which normally functions to protect 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 patient?s own tissues.

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, and the disease can range from mild to

life-threatening. Typical features of lupus include a butterfly shaped rash

over the cheeks, a skin rash appearing in areas exposed to the sun, sores in

the mouth and nose, arthritis involving one or more joints, kidney inflammation,

neurological disorders such as headaches, personality changes, organic brain

syndrome, peripheral neuropathies, sensory neuropathy, psychological problems

including paranoia, mania, and schizophrenia, seizures, transverse myelitis, and paralysis and stroke. Fever, weight loss,

hair loss, poor circulation in the fingers and toes, chest pain when taking

deep breaths, and abdominal pain may also occur.

Is

there any treatment?

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 an amelioration of

symptoms that improves their quality of life. Medications used in the treatment

of lupus may include aspirin and other nonsteroidal

anti-inflammatory drugs, antimalarials,

corticosteroids, and other immunosuppressants.

What

is the prognosis?

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 patients with lupus

have a normal lifespan with periodic doctor visits and treatments with various

drugs. Many of the more serious problems do not affect most patients. Death is

usually caused by renal failure or infection.

What

research is 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.

Organizations

American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association

22100 Gratiot Avenue

Eastpointe

East Detroit MI 48201-2227

aarda@...

www.aarda.org

Tel:

Fax:

Lupus Foundation of America

1300 Piccard

Drive

Suite 200

Rockville MD 20850-4303

www.lupus.org

Tel:

Fax:

NIAMS/National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal

and Skin Diseases

NIH

Bldg. 31, Rm. 4C05

Bethesda MD 20892-2350

namsic@...

www.nih.gov/niams/

Tel:

Hugs,

Deanna