NeuroTalk Support Groups - What autoimmune diseases cause neuropathy?

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- - What autoimmune diseases cause neuropathy? (https://www.neurotalk.org/autoimmune-diseases/149862-autoimmune-diseases-cause-neuropathy.html)

hi,I have Multiple Sclerosis and it has caused Neuropathy for me...I am sure Fibro can also....Not sure about the other AI diseases tho...

I have Crohn's/Colitis (minus the colon removed in '02) and thought I also had peripheral neuropathy until my MS doc six years later diagnosed transverse myelitis. I am on the immuno-suppressant Imuran for both.

Quote:

Originally Posted by en bloc (Post 801685)

Many AI diseases can cause neuropathy. I have Sjogren's and antiphospholipid syndrome (with strokes). Sjogren's can cause numerous neurological problems to include central, peripheral and autonomic neuropathies.

Also, many AI diseases can overlap so patients can actually have more than one.

I have Sjogren's Syndrome and now PN that has been building for the past year. I cannot tolerate the traditional drugs for the PN because of the side effects, including drying eyes.
I plan to see a pain management doctor to see if they can help.
Do you have any experience in this regard or recommendations.
Thanks, Lynn

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sheltiemom18 (Post 808112)

en bloc's reply above is absolutely correct.

I also have Sjogren's, and it was actually the neuropathy caused by Sjogren's that was diagnosed first - burning small fiber, non-length dependent. Although greatly improved and being here for almost two years now, the neuropathy is unlikely to go away completely, and for sure the Sjogren's never will. The neuropathy improved w/o Rx meds but with the use of certain supplements (NOT herbals!).

I've some cranial neuropathy as well as autonomic nervous system problems; however, nothing to the point of incapacitation. The first eleven months were the worst. This second year has been a lot better (keeping fingers crossed).

Best,

Sheltiemom

I have had SS for ten years and now PN for the past year,which is getting worse by the day. I cannot tolerate the traditional PN meds due to side effects, including drying eyes. I plan to see a pain management doctor to see if they can do anything for the pain that I can tolerate.
Do you have any experience in this regard or pearls of wisdom for me.
Thanks, Lynn

I'm not sure what I have to say is what you want to hear. I have tried all the typical meds for PN (neurontin, Lyrica, Cymbalta, etc). I really had no problem with increased dry eyes from these meds, BUT none of them were effective in reducing the PN pain/symptoms.

PN, if directly from Sjogren's, can be extremely difficult to treat...and in many cases impossible. If your PN is from Sjogren's attack on the DRG (dorsal root ganglia), then there is no effective treatment available to date. If you have a positive skin biopsy for SFN, then I would consider IVIG, as this has been know to be somewhat effective for SFN in autoimmune patients. I used IVIG for 9 years, but can no longer take it after a horrific rare reaction.

I would see what options the pain doctor has to offer. After trying everything out there, the only thing I've found to reduce pain to manageable levels (not eliminate it), is MINIMAL amounts of Percocet. Like I said, it's not to remove pain, just to reduce it enough to function.

You might want to exhaust natural options as well...like B12 supplements, R lipoic Acid, etc. Even Biofreeze for the burning might work for you. MrsD in the PN sub-forum can help with advising supplements. There are 'stickies' at the top of this forum that will also provide you lots of good PN info.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lynn Hughes (Post 892355)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sheltiemom18 (Post 808112)

Hi, it's my understanding that Sjogrens never goes away. We just manage it with Meds . There is primary and secondary Sjogrens, as yorobably know. I have secondary Sjogrens with the mixed connective tissue disease I Have. I recently started getting the burning sensation in my hands and feel. Probably small fiber stuff. My neuro ws taking to me today that it might be from vitamin deficiency. I did get a b1 shot today. More blood work to come!:eek:

Quote:

Originally Posted by californiafriend (Post 768890)

I was wondering what autoimmune diseases can cause neuropathy and if a person were to have an autoimmune disease does that make them suceptible to get other ones added on?

Gillian-Barre Syndrome can cause a secondary chronic inflammatory demyelinating neuropathy. Treatment should be immune globulin either intravenous or sub-cuteneous.

mg and LEMS are both neuromuscular conditions involving the autoimune system.
ej

I have sjogrens and am having terrible problems with neuropathy.:mad::mad: Facing Chains

Hi facing chains

I would like to know what caused the auto immune stuff to happen to begin with. There is a book called "Silent Spring" after reading that, and after what Mayo clinic told me, I am not sure it is not environmental. Hard statement I know. ginnie :hug: