Can a neurologist diagnose lupus?

Different medical specialists (e.g. rheumatologist, neurologist, psychiatrist) and neuropsychologists can find out if your nervous system problems are related to lupus. You may need to have tests, including: Lab tests, like blood tests.

What kind of doctor can diagnose lupus?

Many people who have (or suspect they have) lupus see a rheumatologist (or pediatric rheumatologist if a child or teen). This type of doctor specializes in diagnosing and treating diseases of the joints and muscles.

Does lupus have neurological symptoms?

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 ...

Is lupus a neurological disorder?

The spectrum of neurological disease in lupus. Lupus can affect all levels of the nervous system, including the brain and spinal cord, as well as the peripheral nervous system.

Does lupus show up on brain MRI?

Your doctor may order an MRI if it appears that lupus has affected the central nervous system, which includes the brain and the spinal cord, and is causing confusion or “brain fog,” depression, seizures, or psychosis.

Lupus myths: Diagnosing Lupus

What can lupus be mistaken for?

How is cerebral lupus diagnosed?

In diagnostic imaging of the CNS, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans often provide evidence for edema or small infarcts, both in focal and diffuse CNS lupus, whereas computerized tomography (CT) scans only show gross abnormalities.

Does lupus show up in blood work?

No one test can diagnose lupus. The combination of blood and urine tests, signs and symptoms, and physical examination findings leads to the diagnosis.

What is a lupus headache like?

Pseudotumour cerebri (also called benign intracranial hypertension) occurs in around 1% of people who have SLE. It is due to an increase in the pressure of fluid around the brain and spinal cord, causing headaches that are often severe, as well as blurred and double vision.

What happens when lupus attacks the central nervous system?

The effects of lupus on the central nervous system are wide-ranging. Lupus can cause a number of central nervous system complications, including, but not limited to, cognitive dysfunction, coma, encephalopathy, stroke, seizures, and headaches.

Do you get nerve pain with lupus?

As many as 1 in 5 people with lupus have peripheral neuropathy, which is widespread pain caused by nerve damage. You may also feel numbness or tingling. Parts of your body may become weak, or you may have trouble moving them.

Who is the best doctor for lupus?

Typically, lupus is treated by rheumatologists. Rheumatologists are internists or pediatricians (or both) that specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of arthritis and other diseases of the joints, muscles, and bones, as well as certain autoimmune diseases, including lupus and rheumatoid arthritis.

Why is it so hard to get a lupus diagnosis?

Lupus is a disease that is known for being difficult to diagnose because the symptoms are different from person to person, they mimic the symptoms of many other diseases, and they can come and go. It can sometimes take several years to receive an official diagnosis.

What type of doctor treats autoimmune disease?

Rheumatologists specialize in diagnosing and treating musculoskeletal diseases and autoimmune conditions (rheumatic disease).

What does a lupus flare feel like?

During a lupus flare, you could expect to have rashes, joint pain, and possibly a new symptom, too. Some common symptoms of lupus flares include: Painful and swollen joints. Rashes.

Does lupus cause weight gain?

Muscle pain — Muscle pain or tenderness is common in people with lupus; rarely, some people also notice muscle weakness. Weight changes — Lupus can sometimes cause weight loss or weight gain.

What are symptoms of lupus flare?

How long does it take to get a lupus diagnosis?

On average, it takes nearly six years for people with lupus to be diagnosed, from the time they first notice their lupus symptoms.

Is dry eyes a symptom of lupus?

Lupus can damage tear glands, tear ducts, and the mucosal tissues that help lubricate the eye. This can lead to a condition called keratoconjunctivitis sicca , also known as dry eye syndrome. Dry eye syndrome causes a persistent gritty sensation in the eye or under the eyelid.

When is lupus usually diagnosed?

Age. Although lupus affects people of all ages, it's most often diagnosed between the ages of 15 and 45.

Can a spinal tap diagnose lupus?

If symptoms suggest that lupus is affecting the nervous system, the doctor may request an MRI of the brain and spinal cord. They may also request a lumbar puncture to look for indications of lupus in the spinal fluid. A proper diagnosis takes time, but it ensures that a person receives the correct treatment.

What is neuro psychiatric lupus?

Neuropsychiatric lupus (NPSLE), which is often referred to as central nervous system (CNS) lupus, can cause lupus patients to be afflicted with a variety of neuropsychiatric issues ranging from headaches and depression to seizures and a number of demyelinating conditions.

What labs are abnormal with lupus?

Complete Blood Count (CBC)

CBC provides information about the red blood cell (RBC), white blood cell (WBC), and platelet counts, and health of RBCs, all of which may be abnormal in lupus and may need treatment. Common issues are: Low RBC (hematocrit, hemoglobin). A normal hematocrit is 35-40%, hemoglobin 11.5-15.0.

What other autoimmune diseases are similar to lupus?