Neurosarcoidosis is a complication of sarcoidosis in which inflammation occurs in the brain, spinal cord, and other areas of the nervous system.

Sarcoidosis - nervous system

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.

Neurosarcoidosis may affect any part of the nervous system. Sudden, facial weakness (facial palsy)is the most common neurological symptom and involves the nerves to the muscles of the face (cranial nerve VII). Any nerve in the skull can be affected, including those in the eye and those that control taste, smell, or hearing.

The condition can also affect the parts of the brain involved in regulating many body functions such as temperature, sleep, and stress responses.

Muscle weakness or sensory losses can occur with peripheral nerve involvement. Other areas of the brain, including the pituitary gland at the base of the brain, or the spinal cord may also be involved.

Images

Sarcoid, stage II - chest X-ray

Sarcoid, stage IV - chest X-ray

Sarcoid, stage I - chest X-ray

Next Section

Neurosarcoidosis Symptoms

Review Date: 08/27/2010
Reviewed By: 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.

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)