Lupus and Nerve Damage Benton Harbor MI

Everyone suffers from the occasional tingling or numbness in their hands or feet, usually when limbs "fall asleep." But, when you're living with lupus, numbness or tingling in your hands or feet may not be minor, passing symptoms. They can signal a condition called peripheral neuropathy, or nerve damage.

Lupus is an autoimmune condition that causes the immune system to attack normal, healthy cells and tissue. About 10 to 15 percent of people with lupus experience symptoms of peripheral neuropathy. When several nerves in the body are affected it's referred to as polyneuropathy—the most common type of peripheral neuropathy.

How Lupus Causes Neuropathy or Nerve Damage

The peripheral nervous system is responsible for motor responses and sensation. Lupus, and other autoimmune conditions rheumatoid arthritis, may cause antibodies in the immune system to directly attack nerve cells and blood vessels.

Also, inflammation and swelling from surrounding tissue can damage these nerves. Or, lupus may impair blood flow to the brain, spinal cord and nerves, which can damage nerve cells and disrupt how they function.

In most cases, peripheral neuropathy is symmetrical, which means it affects both sides of the body. However, peripheral neuropathy may also be non-symmetrical or more sporadic, affecting patches of areas in the body. This can result from vasculitis, or inflammation of the blood vessels.

Symptoms of Neuropathy in Lupus

Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy from lupus can range from mild to serious and mainly affect the hands, feet, legs or arms. They include:..

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