Risk of cranial nerve disorders in lupus patients

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Lupus erythematosus is an autoimmune disease that can affect almost any part of the body, including the neurologic complications of lupus. Lupus can attack the nervous system through antibodies that bind to nerve cells or disrupt blood flow to nerves.

1. What part of the nervous system is affected by lupus?

Lupus is a systemic autoimmune disease that occurs when the body's immune system attacks the patient's own tissues and organs. Inflammation caused by lupus can affect many organ systems in the body including joints, skin, kidneys, blood cells, brain, heart, and lungs. Lupus can be difficult to diagnose because its signs and symptoms often mimic those of other illnesses. The most distinctive sign of lupus is a butterfly-like facial rash, but not all cases of lupus have this sign.
The nervous system has three parts, any of which can be affected by lupus:
The central nervous system (CNS) consists of the brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system (PNS) is a network of nerves that connect the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body and transmit signals to the skin and muscles for sensation and movement. Autonomic Nervous System (ANS): Allows communication between the spinal and peripheral nerves and the brain and internal organs, and controls functions such as breathing, blood flow, and heart rate.
People can experience a number of complications when their nervous system is affected by lupus. Symptoms may come on suddenly or may come and go, but they will vary depending on the location and extent of tissue damage. Besides, these symptoms can be similar to other diseases, so diagnosing a nervous system disorder related to lupus is often not easy.
The therapist can rely on a number of diagnostic tools to determine if lupus is related to cognitive problems such as:
X-rays Brain scans (magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT))

EEG (for patterns of brain electrical activity) Cerebrospinal fluid testing Behavioral and cognitive tests may also be done to find out if the person's memory or mental functions are not. whether others are affected or not. Depending on symptoms, a variety of drugs are used to treat lupus-related nervous system disorders such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antimalarials, and steroids.

2. Symptoms of lupus cause cranial nerve disorders

2.1 Effects of Central Nervous System (CNS) When lupus affects the central nervous system, the patient will experience many symptoms such as:
Headache Confusion Fatigue Fatigue Depression Convulsions Stroke or hearing loss cerebral vascular accident Vision problems Explosive emotions (Mood swings) Difficulty concentrating

2.2 Cognitive dysfunction Up to half of people with lupus describe feelings of confusion, fatigue, memory loss, and difficulty expressing their thoughts. This set of symptoms is known as cognitive dysfunction, although many people with lupus refer to it as "lupus fog".
Cognitive dysfunction usually affects people with mild to moderate lupus. The cause of these symptoms and why they tend to come and go are unknown to scientists.
Living with cognitive dysfunction can be very frustrating. However, people can learn to improve concentration and reduce confusion and memory loss by using a variety of coping skills, including puzzles, games, biofeedback, using Use a daily appointment schedule and balance daily activities to reduce stress.

2.3 Headaches Compared to the general population, people with lupus may be twice as likely to have migraine headaches, commonly known as lupus headaches. The features of lupus headaches are similar to those of migraines and may be seen more often in people with comorbid Raynaud's syndrome.
However, headaches can also be caused by inflammation of the blood vessels when lupus is active. Talk to your doctor if someone with lupus has headaches that don't improve with over-the-counter headache medications.

2.4 Effects on the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS) The nerves of the peripheral nervous system control motor responses and sensations, resulting in symptoms of numbness or tingling or an inability to move one parts of the body, possibly as a result of lupus affecting these nerves. The mechanism of symptoms of peripheral nerve damage is due to inflammation or swelling of the surrounding tissues, putting pressure on the nerve. The types of symptoms that the patient may experience include:
Vision problems force

Facial pain Tinnitus Dizziness Eyelid drooping Carpel tunnel syndrome or carpel tunnel syndrome
2.5 Effects on the Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) The autonomic nervous system regulates many bodily functions that occur automatically such as heart rate, blood pressure, sensation of heat or cold, bladder and bowel function , adrenaline release, breathing, sweating, and muscle movement. Lupus can cause these nerve signals to become overactive, leading to a range of symptoms such as:
Numbness Burns Itching Psychiatric Disorders Headaches Gastrointestinal problems such as nausea, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea

Raynaud's syndrome is a disease of the autonomic nervous system caused by inflammation of the nerves or blood vessels. Blood vessels in the hands and feet go into spasm and restrict blood flow, usually in response to cold temperatures. Leads to the tips of the fingers or toes turning red, white, or blue. Raynaud's syndrome can also cause pain, numbness, or tingling in the fingers and/or toes. People with this syndrome are often advised to avoid cold conditions and to wear gloves when in air-conditioned environments.
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References: mayoclinic.org, hopkinslupus.org, lupus.org