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THE BRAIN
The brain is particularly susceptible in Hughes/antiphospholipid syndrome patients as the ‘sticky blood’ results in impaired circulation and less oxygen which causes diminished mental alertness. The brain can protest in a variety of ways including:
Headache and migraine
One of the most common features of Hughes/antiphospholipid syndrome is recurrent headaches – often migrainous and sometimes accompanied by flashing lights, zigzag patterns, nausea and vomiting.
Memory loss
Memory loss affects many people with Hughes/antiphospholipid syndrome, who often have difficulty in thinking clearly and describe the sensation as ‘brain fog’.
Balance problems
Balance problems and dizziness are very common in Hughes/antiphospholipid syndrome patients, and some people complain of a constant feeling of giddiness. Naturally, this is dangerous and can lead to accidents.
Seizures and spasms
Impaired circulation to parts of the brain can sometimes lead to seizures varying from epileptic seizures to jerks and spasms. A single fit or a series of epileptic seizures can be the first manifestation of Hughes/antiphospholipid syndrome.
Stroke
This is the most serious neurological symptom associated with Hughes/antiphospholipid syndrome. Strokes develop when a blood clot (known medically as a thrombosis) blocks the supply of blood to the brain. Unfortunately, it is the first sign of the condition for 13% of patients.
Transient Ischemic Attacks (TIAs)
These are ‘mini strokes’ in which a blood clot causes a temporary reduction, or blockage, of the blood supply to the brain. The symptoms of a TIA are similar to a stroke, but less severe and only last from between a few minutes to a few hours – hence ‘transient’ - and then completely disappear. TIAs are the first sign of Hughes/antiphospholipid syndrome in 7% of patients.
MS-like symptoms
A number of Hughes/antiphospholipid syndrome patients have bladder problems, tingling sensations, numbness and weakness in their limbs. Not surprisingly, these patients are occasionally wrongly diagnosed as having multiple sclerosis (MS).
http://www.hughes-syndrome.org/about-hughes-syndrome/brain.php
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