What is Neurosarcoidosis?

This is a progressive multi-system disorder that commonly affects young adults. Most patients with sarcoidosis do not have any symptoms; the disease often is detected on routine chest radiograph. The lungs are affected most frequently, but the eyes, nervous system, heart, kidneys, bones, and joints also may be affected.
 

Causes of Neurosarcoidosis:

The causes of this disorder are not clear. Current evidence suggests that sarcoidosis is due to the abnormal proliferation of a certain cell called a T-helper cell, which functions to help immune cells attack a foreign substance. The abnormal proliferation of T-helper cells is thought to result from an exaggerated response to a foreign substance or to self cells.
 

Symptoms of Neurosarcoidosis:

The symptoms of sarcoidosis vary widely and may include muscle weakness, facial palsy and wasting, numbness in various parts of the body, fatigue, headache, excessive thirst, seizures, fever, memory loss, lethargy, hallucinations, agitation, depression, irritability, loss of taste, and voice, hearing and vision impairments etc.
 

Diagnosis of Neurosarcoidosis:

The diagnosis of neurosarcoidosis often is difficult. Definative diagnosis can only be made by biopsy. Because of the risks associated with brain biopsies, frequently they are not done. In an individual with known sarcoidosis, the development of suggestive symptoms with collaborative imaging on MRI is often considered enough for diagnosis.
 

Treatment of Neurosarcoidosis:

Because of the rarity of the disease, little evidence exists to guide treatment. High dose steroids are considered the treatment of choice followed by a slow taper. Two thirds of patients will have remission of the disease and not require further treatment. Recurrent or chronic disease may require long term treatment with steroids which is frequently limited by side effects.