Lupus may affect the whole body, including the neurological system. According to research, up to 90% of people with lupus experience symptoms involving their brain, spinal cord, or nerves. It’s known as neuropsychiatric lupus.
When a person has lupus, the brain is just as susceptible to the illness as any other body area.
It’s difficult to tell if your nervous system problems are caused by lupus or anything else. This article covers what you should look for.
Signs that Lupus May Be Affecting your Brain
The following symptoms are signs that lupus may be affecting your brain:
- Difficulties with cognition (trouble thinking, remembering, and concentrating)
- Headaches
- Seizures
- Stroke
- Depression
- Spinal cord inflammation
Lupus might also affect your peripheral nervous system. These are the nerves that travel throughout your body, controlling your organs and limbs.
In these cases, you might experience:
- Numbness, weakness, or pain
- Loss of vision
- Dizziness
- Intense ringing in the ears
- Digestive issues
How Does Lupus Affect the Nervous System?
Doctors don’t know what causes lupus. It’s an autoimmune illness, which means your immune system attacks healthy cells and tissue by mistake.
Lupus illness causes the production of proteins and antibodies that induce inflammation in the brain and surrounding nerves. They may also damage your blood arteries, making it more difficult to supply oxygen to your brain and increasing the likelihood of blood clots.
