Comprehensive, Coordinated Care for a Complex Neurological Condition
Neurosarcoidosis is a long-term condition that affects the central nervous system, which includes the brain, spinal cord, and optic nerve. This rare form of sarcoidosis causes inflammation that can damage the protective coating around nerve fibers. Over time, this damage can interfere with how the brain and body communicate, leading to symptoms such as muscle weakness, tingling or numbness, and difficulty with movement.
Because neurosarcoidosis can involve many areas of the nervous system — including the cranial and facial nerves, the hypothalamus, and the pituitary gland — it requires care from multiple specialists.
At UAMS Health, our team of neurologists and other subspecialized divisions, including pulmonologists, rheumatologists, and ophthalmologists, work closely together to provide comprehensive, integrated care. This collaborative approach ensures that every aspect of your condition is monitored and managed, from diagnosis through ongoing treatment.
Our goal is to help limit disease progression, relieve symptoms, and improve your quality of life through personalized care and advanced treatment options.
Diagnosis
A patient may be suspected of having neurosarcoidosis if they have a known history of sarcoidosis and subsequently develop neurological symptoms. Establishing a definitive diagnosis begins with a thorough medical history and comprehensive neurological examination. Diagnostic testing is then performed to exclude alternative causes of the patient’s symptoms, including other neurological disorders.
These evaluations may include cerebrospinal fluid analysis obtained via lumbar puncture, MRI of the brain and spinal cord, and, when feasible, biopsy of affected neural or non-neural tissue. Additional testing may be performed to assess for evidence of sarcoidosis in the lungs or other organ systems.
Symptoms
Symptoms of neurosarcoidosis are similar to those of multiple sclerosis (MS) and can vary depending on the areas affected.
If the condition affects the brain or nearby nerves, symptoms may include:
- Confusion or disorientation
- Hearing loss
- Dementia
- Delirium
- Dizziness, abnormal sensations of movement, or vertigo
- Changes in vision
- Weakness or drooping of facial muscles
- Headache
- Inability to smell
- Inability to taste or abnormal tastes
- Psychiatric disturbances
- Seizures
- Speech impairment
If the condition affects the pituitary gland, symptoms may include:
- Changes in menstrual periods
- Fatigue
- Excessive thirst
- Excessive urination
If the condition affects peripheral nerves, symptoms may include:
- Muscle weakness
- Tingling sensations or numbness
- Loss of movement
Causes and Risk Factors
Although we do not yet know the cause of neurosarcoidosis, we believe risk factors include infections, immune system disorders and genetics. Patients with a history of sarcoidosis are at an increased risk of developing neurosarcoidosis.
Treatment
Choosing the right treatment requires close collaboration with specialized providers such as the team at UAMS Health. Together you and our providers can discuss the risks and benefits of treatment options to reduce inflammation and manage symptoms. Physical and occupational therapy can help patients cope with the disease and manage progressive symptoms.
