Neurosarcoidosis

Sarcoidosis is an inflammation of the tissues of the body that usually affects the lungs, but can affect other areas of the body as well. Neurosarcoidosis takes place when the there is a complication with the condition sarcoidosis. This condition can affect the nervous system. With this complication of sarcoidosis one will have a facial weakness.

This happens because the cranial nerve VII is involved. This condition can also further complicate the body and will often strike the nerves in the eye, the nerves that are responsible for your taste, your ability to smell, and your hearing. Furthermore, the hypothalamus, a part of the brain can also become involved. This part of the brain controls some of your body’s functions, for instance, your response to stress, your body temperature, and/or your sleep.

Other symptoms of neurosarcoidosis are a loss of your senses, and/or weakening of the muscles. This is due to the involvement of the peripheral nerves. Some that develop neurosarcoidosis may experience becoming permanently disabled or even death. The most common person that is stricken is a person who is black and in the 25- to 50-year-old age group.

The symptoms that are most noted in neurosarcoidosis are fatigue, changes in the menses, excessive urination, and/or excessive thirst. When the brain or nerves are involved there may be weakness, seizures, memory loss, confusion, the inability to smell, headache, weakening of the facial muscles, inability to taste, eye disturbances, hearing loss, dizziness, and/or difficulties with speech. If the nerves are involved one can expect symptoms such as an abnormality in or loss of sensation, or loss of movement. They may also suffer from weakness.

Diagnosis of neurosarcoidosis is accomplished through a past medical history, laboratory testing, and/or a lumbar puncture. A chest x-ray will follow this if suspicions are aroused. Treatment for neurosarcoidosis is done to relieve symptoms only, as there is no cure. The most typical form of treatment is corticosteroid medication.

Some forms of sarcoidosis and neurosarcoidosis resolve on their own time. It takes some time to do this though, possibly up to 6 months. It could also stay with a person for a lifetime.

As with any illness you need to see your physician on a regular check-up. Meeting with your physician and coming up with any health plans or goals is ideal. You need to keep in close touch to further prevent any damage to your body. With this in place you can live comfortably and reasonably healthy. Your physician will most likely give you some options as to what you form of health treatment will be. Working with your physician on this topic will give you the needed knowledge that you need to work with your condition.

RESOURCES

PubMed Health: Neurosarcoidosis

American Journal of Roentgenology: Imaging Manifestation of Neurosarcoidosis

New York – Presbyterian: Neurology and Neuroscience Neurosarcoidosis

Oxford Journals: Central Nervous System Sarcoidosis – Diagnosis and management

University of Maryland Medical Center: Neurosarcoidosis