Sarcoidosisis a condition characterised by inflammatory modification in multiple organ , but predominantly in the lungs and lymph glands . It causes formation of unnatural masses of instigative tissue called as granuloma in the bear upon organs . Over a period of time , these nodules or granuloma alter the normal functioning and bodily structure of the affect organs . When sarcoidosis happen in the nervous system it is know as neurosarcoidosis . countenance us see the symptoms , causes , diagnosing and treatment of the disease .
What is Neurosarcoidosis?
Neurosarcoidosis is a consideration where sarcoidosis impress the uneasy system , i.e. there is inflammation in the brain , spinal cord and other areas of the spooky system . This consideration can involve any part of the nerve supplying let in the facial nerves and other nerve that control the oculus , hearing , try out and smell . It can also affect the spinal corduroy which over a period of time can lead to weakness in the upper and gloomy extremities , discomfort while walking and loss of control over the bladder . It may also bear upon parts of the brain which are involved in regulation of dead body function . This in turn can result in sleep issues , temperature wavering and strain . Peripheral heart involvement can leave to sensational going and impuissance in the muscles . In certain cases , it can also affect the pituitary glands . It is also fuck as sarcoidosis of the uneasy system .
Symptoms of Neurosarcoidosis
The symptom of neurosarcoidosis depend on the area being affected and the extent of intimacy . The most uncouth symptoms are as follow :
symptom of Neurosarcoidosis with involvement of the pituitary glands :
symptom of Neurosarcoidosis with involvement of parts of the genius and cranial nerves :
Symptoms of Neurosarcoidosis with involvement of the peripheral nerves :
Epidemiology of Neurosarcoidosis
Neurosarcoidosis is more unwashed among the years chemical group of 20 to 40 eld and more frequent in woman than in men . It has been see that this condition is about 10 to 17 times more frequent in African – American than in Caucasians . It is also more coarse in multitude of Norse , German , Irish and Puerto Rican origin . work have depict than more 10,000 people in USA have been diagnosed with sarcoidosis .
Prognosis of Neurosarcoidosis
While in some font the symptom of Neurosarcoidosis firmness of purpose by itself in 4 to 6 months , in sealed subject the symptom last for a long period of time and can even last for a lifetime . Neurosarcoidosis can also lead to permanent disability and even death if left untreated .
Causes of Neurosarcoidosis
The exact cause of sarcoidosis is not known . A large number of subject area are being carried out to see the exact cause of sarcoidosis . The most accepted theory at present is that it is an autoimmune condition due to curtailment of the resistant system and abnormal response of the immune system to nameless stimuli . Neurosarcoidosis is do when symptom of sarcoidosis unfold the nervous organisation .
Complications of Neurosarcoidosis
The complication variegate based on the part of the nervous supplying touch on by neurosarcoidosis . If exit untreated it can lead to lasting red of neurological social occasion in the area supplied by the nervousness affected . In very rarified case , the brain prow may get affected , which can be life threatening .
Diagnosis of Neurosarcoidosis
Neurosarcoidosis is diagnose by an experient neurologist ground on known story of sarcoidosis and presence of nerve link up symptoms . Neurosarcoidosis may be misdiagnosed with other neurological conditions as the symptom mimic other symptoms associate with hypopituitarism , meningitis , optic neuritis , diabetes insipidus , sealed tumors etc . In very rare cases , there may be neurological symptoms without the lungs or other organs being affected . A detailed case history along with clinical examination is done .
In neurosarcoidosis , blood works are often not very helpful . A timber puncture may be considered to pass judgment signs of inflammation . In has been noted that the angiotensin - converting enzyme grade found in the cerebrospinal fluid ( CSF ) is often above the normal limit in patients with neurosarcoidosis . However , this can not be used as a reliable test . Other investigatory studies admit MRI of the brain , thorax x - shaft for determining the signs of sarcoidosis in the lungs and nerve biopsy of the pretend nerve . In some case , EMG may be done for studying the brass occasion . Other investigatory studies include HRCT scan , pneumonic subprogram breathing tryout , bureau x - ray and bronchoscopy .
How is Neurosarcoidosis Treated?
Neurosarcoidosis or sarcoidosis does not have a definitive handling . Management involves treatment for symptomatic respite . unwritten medication such as corticosteroid and prednisone are prescribed to reduce pain and inflammation . Other medication admit methotrexate and plaquenil . internal secretion substitution therapy may be see for supressing the resistant system . forcible therapy is advised for improvement of motion . In Neurosarcoidosis patient with difficult walk and other counterbalance and gait military issue , a brace , cane , or a John Walker is provide . Psychiatric disorder and memory deterioration are treated with anti - depressants , assistance and other condom measure . Alternate medication such as stylostixis can also be helpful in direction of the symptom of Neurosarcoidosis .
Prevention of Neurosarcoidosis
The only preventive measure that can be aim to avoid occurrence of neurosarcoidosis , is treating sarcoidosis at the right time . belligerent treatment of sarcoidosis at the right time helps in strengthening the immune system which in turn will help in preventing progression of the disease into the nerves , and this shrink the chances of neurological complications . It is suggest to seek aesculapian help at once , if neurological symptoms such as sudden loss of sense experience , trunk role or campaign are comment in presence of sarcoidosis . Other preventive measures include :
Neurosarcoidosis is a complication of sarcoidosis where the incendiary symptom affect the nervous system . It can affect the brain , spinal corduroy , any part of the neural scheme and even the pituitary secretory organ in certain cases . It can affect the facial mettle and alter the sense datum of taste , smell and facial expression . When it dissemble the spinal cord , it can extend to difficulty while walking , weakness in extremities etc . It can also feign the normal functioning of various regulation ingredient . In extreme case , it can even lead to lasting disability . A permanent treatment for neurosarcoidosis has not yet been discover . Hence , a bombastic figure of studies are being carried to understand this condition better and also to grow a discourse method .
