Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

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What are Neurological Sequelae Of Lupus?
Is there any treatment?
What is the prognosis?
What research is being done?

Organizations
Additional resources from MEDLINEplus

What are Neurological Sequelae Of Lupus?
Lupus (also called systemic lupus erythematosus) 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.

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, organic brain syndrome, peripheral neuropathies, sensory neuropathy, psychological problems (including personality changes, paranoia, mania, and schizophrenia), seizures, transverse myelitis, and paralysis and stroke.

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 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.

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 individuals with lupus do not develop serious health problems and have a normal lifespan with periodic doctor visits and treatments with various drugs.

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.

Select this link to view a list of studies currently seeking patients.

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)

Prepared by:
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National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health
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NINDS health-related material is provided for information purposes only and does not necessarily represent endorsement by or an official position of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke or any other Federal agency. Advice on the treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined that patient or is familiar with that patient's medical history.

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Last updated February 13, 2007

This information has been provided by The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS).
Retreived on 8/6/2007