Table of Contents
What brain problems does lupus cause?
Lupus is a systemic autoimmune disorder that affects multiple organ systems in the body, including the brain. People with lupus can experience a range of neurological and psychiatric symptoms, from mild to severe.
Brain problems caused by lupus are known as neuropsychiatric lupus (NPSLE).
Common NPSLE symptoms include:
– Seizures
– Cognitive impairment
– Psychosis
– Confusion
– Depression
– Anxiety
– Mood swings
– Memory problems
– Headaches
– Visual changes, such as blurred vision or vision loss
– Slurred speech
– Aphasia (inability to speak or understand language)
Some of these symptoms may be caused by inflammation and swelling of areas of the brain, while others may be caused by changes in the brain’s electrical system. In addition, lupus can cause changes in hormone levels that can lead to mood disorders, as well as increased risk of stroke or seizures.
The extent and severity of neurological complications vary among lupus patients, and range from mild to severe. In some cases, lupus can cause permanent brain damage, while in others the symptoms may resolve over time with appropriate management.
Proper diagnosis and treatment is essential for preventing or minimizing neurological complications.
What are daily struggles with lupus?
Daily struggles with lupus can vary greatly from person to person. Some of the most common struggles experienced by those with lupus can include extreme fatigue, painful joints, rashes and skin issues, changes in mental health, and difficulty sleeping.
Additionally, some people may also experience difficulty concentrating and remembering things, as well as being prone to frequent infections. All these symptoms can often make it difficult to stay motivated and complete daily tasks.
Fatigue can make it difficult to get out of bed in the morning, and joint pain can make it hard to complete errands or even take a walk. Additionally, many patients can experience changes in their cognitive functioning due to lupus, which can make daily tasks more of a challenge.
Lupus can also have a major impact on mental health, and many patients struggle with depression and anxiety due to their condition. Lastly, many people with lupus also struggle to find a healthy balance between rest and activity.
Too much physical activity can worsen their symptoms and too much rest can increase their fatigue. Finding the right balance is essential in managing lupus and staying healthy.
Can a brain scan show lupus?
No, a brain scan cannot be used to diagnosis lupus. While lupus can affect the central nervous system and brain, and can even cause symptoms of cognitive impairment, a brain scan isn’t specific enough to diagnose lupus.
The best way to diagnose lupus is by testing the patient’s blood and examining the clinical signs and symptoms they are presenting with. A rheumatologist may also make a diagnosis of lupus based on the patient’s symptoms and a set of criteria set out by the American College of Rheumatology.
These criteria include fatigue, anemia, a positive antinuclear antibody test, and joint swelling. Other tests – such as imaging scans, including a brain scan – may be done in the process of evaluating the patient’s symptoms, but these cannot diagnose lupus on their own.
How is neurological lupus diagnosed?
Neurological lupus is diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination, and imaging tests. A doctor may start by taking a detailed account of the patient’s medical history and any symptoms they may be experiencing.
They will then perform a physical exam to look for signs of inflammation and neurologic abnormalities such as muscle weakness, vision changes, and difficulty walking. Imaging tests such as MRI and CT scans are often used to rule out other conditions and to get a better understanding of the patient’s neurological condition.
If the patient is believed to be suffering from neurological lupus, a lumbar puncture may be performed to examine the cerebrospinal fluid for signs of inflammation and antibodies associated with lupus.
Finally, blood tests may be used to look for antinuclear antibodies and other abnormal antibodies. All of these tests are important for diagnosing and monitoring neurological lupus in order to determine how best to treat the condition.
What are the most severe symptoms of lupus?
The most severe symptoms of lupus can vary from person to person, but generally include fatigue, fever, joint pain and swelling, butterfly-shaped rashes on the face, chest pain, sensitivity to light, and abdominal pain.
Other severe symptoms can include kidney problems, depression and anxiety, hair loss, anemia, seizures, increased risk of infection, aching or burning sensation in the palms, and difficulty breathing.
In rare cases, lupus can also cause inflammation in the lining of the lungs and heart, as well as an enlarged spleen.
In addition to physical symptoms, cognitive issues such as difficulty concentrating and memory problems, as well as mood swings, may occur in some individuals with lupus. Making sure you get enough rest and follow the treatment plan prescribed by your doctor is key to staying in control of the disease and avoiding severe flare-ups.
What should you not do if you have lupus?
If you have been diagnosed with lupus, it is essential that you take steps to ensure your health and wellbeing by avoiding certain activities and behaviors. It is important to understand that many of the symptoms of lupus can cause serious complications if not managed properly.
Some of the things you should avoid doing with lupus include:
1. Exposure to the sun for long periods of time. UV rays from the sun can cause skin flare-ups and worsen symptoms of Lupus, making it important to limit your exposure to direct sun or artificial sources of ultraviolet light such as tanning beds.
2. Strenuous activities such as running, lifting weights, or contact sports, that involve significant physical exertion.
3. Eating foods that are known to trigger a lupus flare, such as certain seafood like shrimp, lobster, and crab.
4. Taking too much NSAIDs or over the counter medications. While there are some medications and treatments for lupus, overuse or incorrect use of medications can cause additional problems.
5. Smoking cigarettes. Smoking can worsen some of the inflammation and other lupus symptoms.
6. Becoming overly stressed or anxious. Stress and anxiety can increase the risk of developing flares and lupus-causing depression.
7. Ignoring your doctor’s advice and taking no action to treat your lupus. It is especially important to take the medications your doctor prescribes and getting regular medical treatment to keep your disease under control.
How do you cope living with lupus?
Living with lupus can be a very difficult experience for many people. Though there is no known cure, there are ways to manage the condition and achieve as active a life as possible. The first step in dealing with lupus is to recognize and manage the flares, when symptoms increase to an uncomfortable level.
It is important to learn self-management techniques such as a relaxation, stress reduction and sleep hygiene. Many people find relief through yoga, tai chi and other forms of gentle exercise. Additionally, it is critical to create an individualized treatment plan with help from a doctor or health care team.
They may suggest strategies like a Gluten-free diet to reduce inflammation, taking Vitamin D supplements, or incorporating heat and cold therapy. Treatment with medications such as steroids and immune suppressants can also help to reduce lupus symptoms.
Most importantly, it is crucial for those living with lupus to build a support system in their personal, family and/or professional life. Connecting with groups, family members and friends for emotional and practical support is key to living a successful and healthy life with lupus.
What does lupus do to the body over time?
Lupus is an autoimmune disease, which means that the body’s immune system attacks its own cells and systems. Over time, lupus can cause inflammation, pain, and damage to various parts of the body. It is known to affect the joints, skin, kidneys, heart, lungs, brain, and blood cells.
In some cases, lupus can cause rashes over the face and chest. These are often caused by too much sun exposure and may appear as a butterfly-shaped pattern on the cheeks. It can also cause inflammation of the kidneys, causing kidney failure.
In addition, it can damage the heart and lungs, increasing the risk of stroke or heart attack. Low red blood cell counts, anemia, and low platelet counts can also be a result of lupus, leading to extreme fatigue and an increased risk of infection.
Finally, individuals with lupus may experience cognitive symptoms, including an inability to concentrate and make decisions, poor memory, and depression. Untreated lupus can lead to severe organ damage and even death, making it very important to seek treatment as soon as possible.
Is living with lupus hard?
Living with lupus can be very challenging. The chronic nature of the condition can mean periods of remission when things feel relatively normal, as well as periods of flares when symptoms are more severe.
Lupus can affect many parts of the body and different people may experience different symptoms. Common symptoms of lupus include joint pain and swelling, rashes, fatigue, fever, and sun sensitivity. The unpredictability of the illness can make it very hard to manage.
Those living with lupus must take the necessary steps to try to prevent flares and manage the condition, such as taking medications, exercising, eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and avoiding stress.
It is also important to stay connected to a healthcare team and to keep them updated on your symptoms and treatments. Living with lupus can be difficult, but there are many strategies and resources available to help individuals better cope with the condition.
What are 4 complications of lupus?
Four potential complications of lupus include organ damage, increased risk for certain infections, cognitive dysfunction, and increased risk for certain cancers.
Organ damage occurs when the body’s immune responses direct antibodies to attack healthy organs and tissues. Typical organs targeted by lupus include the kidneys, heart, lungs, and brain. Symptoms of organ damage can include swelling in the feet, hands, or face, a rash, chest pain or pulmonary issues, or headaches.
Lupus patients have a higher risk for certain infections because of their weakened immune system. These infections can range from mild skin infections like impetigo to more serious conditions like tuberculosis.
Additionally, lupus patients may be more prone to catching viruses like the flu more easily.
Cognitive dysfunction can occur in lupus patients, causing memory issues, difficulty focusing, sluggish reactions, and slowed thinking. This is typically referred to as lupus “fog” and is caused by inflammation that affects the brain.
Lastly, lupus patients have an increased risk for certain types of cancer, particularly lymphoma and skin cancers. This is due to their weakened immune systems and the high likelihood of sun damage due to rashes caused by the condition.
