Alternative Names
Sarcoidosis – nervous system
Definition of Neurosarcoidosis
Neurosarcoidosis is a complication of sarcoidosis in which inflammation occurs in the brain, spinal cord, and other areas of the nervous system.
Causes, incidence, and risk factors
Sarcoidosis is a long-term (chronic) disorder that affects many parts of the body, mostly the lungs. In a small number of patients, the disease involves some part of the nervous system. This is called neurosarcoidosis.
Symptoms
Involvement of the pituitary gland can cause:
Signs and tests
An exam may show problems with one or more nerves.
Treatment
There is no known cure for the sarcoidosis. Treatment is indicated if symptoms are severe or progressive. The goal of treatment is to reduce symptoms.
Expectations (prognosis)
Some cases go away on their own in 4-6 months. Other cases continue off and on for the rest of the person’s life. Neurosarcoidosis can cause permanent disability and, in some cases, death.
Review
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Daniel B. Hoch, PhD, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. – 8/27/2010
