Lupus cerebritis is inflammation of the brain tissue caused by lupus or infections, and can be life-threatening. Symptoms include headaches, seizures, and stroke. Diagnosis is difficult and treatment depends on the severity of the condition.
Lupus cerebritis is a symptom of lupus in which brain tissue becomes inflamed, often due to damage to blood vessels. Because lupus causes the immune system to deteriorate, cerebritis may actually be caused by the disease itself. It can also be caused by an infection, in the brain or blood, that causes swelling of the brain. These infections can reach the brain as a result of trauma or through the sinuses. More than half of all lupus sufferers develop some cerebritis, although it can be difficult to diagnose.
Lupus is characterized by chronic inflammation of the joints and tissues and is most common among young women under the age of 40. Manifestations of lupus include arthritis-like joint pain and debilitating chronic fatigue. Skin abrasions are also a common symptom, as is a butterfly-shaped rash that usually appears on the face. Other symptoms include dizziness, chest pain and inflammation of the kidneys. The effort to deal with this condition can also greatly affect mood, making depression common in lupus sufferers.
When lupus cerebritis develops, it can be mild or very severe and can include headaches, dementia, and cerebellar ataxia, which leaves the body unable to control movements on one side. Other symptoms can include seizures, very high blood pressure, and stroke. In severe cases, these symptoms can become life-threatening and the patient should be seen regularly by a doctor to keep the symptoms under control. The neurological damage caused by cerebritis can be fatal.
Extensive tests are often needed to make an accurate diagnosis, as the signs of lupus cerebritis can mimic other serious conditions. Inflammation and swelling of the brain can also be caused by bacterial meningitis and some types of infections. While these can be treated with antibiotics and other medications, there is no cure for lupus.
The exact cause of a lupus flare must be found before treatment can begin. It may be caused in part by changes in the autoimmune system in which antibodies react improperly to brain tissue and clog neurons, making them unable to respond. Immune complexes can also trigger an inflammatory reaction in the body, causing blood vessels to become inflamed.
Treatments for lupus cerebritis depend on several factors, including the patient’s age and health. A mild flare-up of cerebral lupus can be treated with steroids or antibiotics, while blood thinners can be used to treat possible blood clots in the brain. In severe cases, surgery may be needed to relieve brain abscesses.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
