What autoimmune diseases cause neuropathy?
 

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?

Good question!!
 

I was diagnosed with Graves in 05 and MS in 09. Graves went into remission in 07. I was wondering the same thing. I don't think I could take anymore diseases.

What are your symptoms? Definitely autoimmune disorders can cause neuropathy! The most common that I know of (tho I don't know numbers) would be multiple sclerosis. I'm here searching for information on Hashimoto's encephalopathy...... Any antibody that targets proteins in the brain could cause problems.

And yes, for whatever reason, my understanding is that people with autoantibodies are at higher risk of having other autoimmune problems. I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's as a teenager. As an adult, I had a miscarriage and through subsequent research, discovered that I was at higher risk for autoimmune problems. I *forced* my doc to do testing, and sure enough, I had others including antiphospholipid antibodies, which can......drum roll.....cause miscarriages.

For what it's worth, about nine years ago, I had severe neurological problems that the docs were almost positive was due to MS (after ruling out antiphospholipid Ab-mediated stroke), but I never tested positive. So my neurological problems, including both central and peripheral symptoms, were caused by something but NOT MS. So don't be afraid of testing because if it *is* something serious, and you can be treated; if it's not MS, then you try to find the problem for treatment. Good luck!

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.

autoimmune neuropathy gluten
 

I have a non-specific autoimmune disorder, they think it might be Sjorgens. I also have peripheral neuropathy, autonomic neuropathy, POTS, and unexplained weight loss (I'm down to 88 lbs). I have severe joint and muscle pain and have been in and out of wheelchairs etc. for the past 8 years.

Long story short the doctors don't know where the disorders cross over and what symptoms are due to what disorders.

In May 2011 I went on a gluten free diet at the suggestion of my family doctor. I have noticed a marked improvement in the pain, energy level and a lot less nausea. I have been reading several medical articles that are finding links between gluten sensitivity, auto immune reactions and neuropathy. I'm hoping the gluten free diet really is helping and I'm not just coincidentally in one of my "better" periods.

The articles I have read think the gluten response is similar to proteins utilized in the nervous system which then leads to neuropathies and other neurological responses.

I hope this helps!

i think your on to something, excellent question, keep going with your gut
 

my thoughts have always been along that line. i am originally on the thread spinal disorders but to come back to this forum i am also diagnosed with fibromyalgia and peripheral neuropathy and having a thyroglossal duct cyst all discovered because of my um teen tests for my spinal fusion. i have always told my doctors more then i can handle and mention that something underlining is happening i can feel it i just started my first test this morning using that stupid machine although i hear it is a great machine (freestyle) to check for hypoglycemia something i suspected was being caused by menopause symptoms. symptoms for menopause and thyroid disease(which runs in my family on my mother's side 4 of her siblings including my mother have goiter) i have had 4 episodes that feel like menopausal symptoms only much more magnified. in the lat two weeks i have noticed my pupil one bigger then the other temporarily dismissing it because i need to see the eye doctor soon i am regular with my yearly physical checkups but they have been put on the back burner upon doing homework and reading about hypothyroidism because my blood pressure dropped to 76/42 what popped out was the difference in the size of my pupils hens i started giving myself needles like fried brain i am sorry she had to force her doctor i feel like i have to do that to because i believe i am on the right track. i will laugh if what my gut is feeling is right because of my cyst becoming active i feel that this is the underlined problem:grouphug: coming into this forum and reading with tears rolling down my face we do need to be vigilant and always have a advocate with you when going to your doctors. paying close attention to your body and forcing your doctor's to listen. in my case my neurosurgeon driving my train with all other doctors that i feel haven't picked up what i suspect is wrong with me. 3 days have gone by without my neurosurgeon calling me back. i have contacted my primary care doctor and have been working with him about diagnosing if i have hypothyroidism....this has been the most insightful forum i have yet to read.....keep on posting.......keep on trucking.......peace out....:grouphug::);):hug::grouphug:

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

Re: immune system questions
 

I started in 79 with alopecia universalis, wound up with NP, cervial disk disease, degenerative joint disease, arthrits. Yes, there is a connection according to mayo clinic. I try my best to eat healthy, sleep alot, or rest. I lost 65 pounds to take off the extra so my joints don't have all the extra pressure. I wish somebody would tell me how this all works, because I now have berretts esophogus, a pre-cancer in the throat. I now wonder if this is also connected to my immune problems too. I don't know what else I can do to try and help myself. I have 8 nodes in the thyroid, and cancer of the thyroid is in my family. I am pretty worried about all this. I would like to know if anyone else has multipal conditions concerned with the immune system. ginnie

From your diet eliminate:

* everything containing wheat, barley, rye and oats
* everything which tastes sweet, including fruit and artificial sweeteners
* all sources of monosodium glutamate

It's working for me. If you don't see marked improvement within a week, I'll eat this keyboard.

I have CIDP it stands for chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy. It is an autoimmune disease. Mine was found by a spinal tap which showed the antibody protein which causes this. I'm sure there are many more. It also causes gastric issues, to include nausea, constipation, diarreha, appears as an irratible bowel syndrome.

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.

Pn and Ai
 

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

PN and AI
 

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.

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:

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

sure 'nuff
 

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

Sjogrens
 

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:

Yes, SFN is characterized by that burning sensation, right? I have Sjogren's and T2 diabetes. I thought my neuropathy was primarily from T2D but it seems I'm experiencing neuropathy even with fairly good BG control. It takes a lot of effort to control your BG and an autoimmune condition. I've gone completely gluten- and dairy-free and I've done some experiments bringing these items back. I can tell you, I definitely react to gluten and dairy: my eyes and throat dry out after 24 hours. These two are so clear cut: I react even to a tiny slice of cheese or butter.

At one point, I was also nightshade-/legume-/soy- and nut-free but that limited my food choices too much. But I never overeat these items - just a little bit of paprika and tomatoes here and there. I'm also fairly low carb (>100g) to control my BG.

One thing you can control is what you eat. It's a full time job but if you eat whole foods and stay away from processed garbage, artificial ingredients and other stuff you react to, your symptoms might improve. At least it seems to me for those who're recently diagnosed. You can read about Terry Wahls and her Minding Your Mitochondria: she was supposedly able to push her MS symptoms into remission by following a strict, wholefood diet.

Hello I am new to this site but I wanted to answer your question as best as I can. My husband was just recently diagnosed with CIDP which does affect both CNS and PNS.

hi, I was referred to this thread by Darlene, because I have questions about Chronic Inflammation, which i have been told is an auto-immune disorder. It is characterized by a slight (3 degree) elevation in temp. for a year or more. I have had it for about 5 yrs.

I believe it led to weight gain and diabetes, and likely to an arterial condition which degrades the vascular system's ability to pass gasses, nutrients and wastes. As i gain control over the diabetes and slim down (from a BMI of 49 to 42), the temp also has dropped by about one degree.

Doc's all act like I'm an idiot for thinking a 3 degree temp means anything. Am I alone in my thoughts ? Does anyone know how i should approach research on this ?

Thanks,
StormE1

Hi Storm
 

I understand a bit about auto immune problems as I have a number of them. Presented when I was 29 and went to mayo clinic. That being said, I believe a 3 degree temp increase is considerable. That means your immune system is indeed fighting something. May I ask if you have had any tests? T & B lymphosyte tests are the ones I was given first. They are your fighting responces. Getting your weight down, all of that of course is great for you. I did the same thing and dropped 60 at one point. Have gained about 15 of that back and I struggle too. The American Journal of Medicine has many articles about auto immune problems. If you can access that through a local Teaching hospital, that is a good place to start research. I did that when I was in a trail study at the University of missouri medical Center. I at least found out what was wrong with me. An Endocranologist may be the field of medicine that you may want to investigate. Again I would recommend that you seek a teaching hospital as they do pretty good with DX. JAMA is another name for that particular journal, that gives alot of information regarding auto immune diseases. The Computer file can access articles according to symptoms, or DX. May I ask what your PCP doctor has said so far?. I will be thinking of you. ginnie :hug::grouphug:

I suffer from neuropathy as a result of Behcet's syndrome....auto-immune disorder. And also would say that yes, if you have one auto-immune disorder you are susceptible to getting others unfortunately.

Ginnie, I couldn't agree more with what you say above. I would also stress that a lot of my symptoms with Behcet's are neuro type symptoms and I also suffer from arthralgia - joint pain which is caused by inflammation so no impact on the joints. I trailed around seeing rheumys and neurologists who were of no help to me whatsoever as there was nothing wrong with me in their eyes (they could not diagnose my illness and didn't even really understand it).

I got my diagnosis in the end, from an immunologist. It's important for anyone with these sorts of symptoms to look at other types of docs if they want to get help. You can get very ground down knocking on doors hoping the next neuro will have an answer for you and get totally dismissed because your bloodwork is clear. With Behcet's and some other auto-immune issues, no bloodwork will give you a diagnosis. I only ever have raised inflammatory markers and sometimes not even that.

Hello,

I was diagnosed with Crohn's in 2000, and began developing peripheral neuropathy like symptoms. I had Nerve Conduction tests. Crohn's has now damaged so much of my insides that I have developed magablastic anaemia because of Vit B12 malabsorbtion. All of these conditions are very well correlated as occurring with Inflammatory Bowel disease, particularly Crohn's

Hi, I fallow this forum and also on the neuropathy forum. I have vasculitis(small vessel) which is autoimmune disorder as well And so far, this is what the doctors have for reason to neuropathy. I have been tested for other auto immune diseases too. I have some symptoms off Sjogren, but so far negative.
I think the vasculitis must have been slowly develoed over last 2 years. Then, 1 year ago, the neuropathy started.
I am now beeing treated for vasculitis and neuropathy, and I am being fallowed by specialty neurologist and a good rheumatologist.
My treatment is Methatrexate and periods with Prednisone for vasculitis,and for neuropathy( which is so bad, it is not being controlled with all the meds) I take combination of Lyrica and Amitriptyine.

[QUOTE=en bloc;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.[/QUO
I know this posting goes way back, en bloc, but I know you still contribute so often and with a lot of good advice still. If you happen to catch this one, I'd appreciate your input. In a nut shell, I have body-wide neuropathy, absolutely everywhere, pretty bad joint pain and terrible muscle pain. The most recent blood work finding showed a highly positive antiphospholipid antibody. All other blood work is pretty normal, including the specific testing for Sjogren's. Have any doctors ever linked your neuropathy more specifically to aPL than the Sjogren's? I'm really wondering if I'm one of those antibody negative people, especially now that the aPL is so strongly positive. My rheumatologist seemed to think it a possibility it is related to prolonged viral activity since the other rheum blood work is normal. I guess the only reason it would matter is because my treatment options would be different. I know I could get a lip biopsy, but I've been through so much the last couple years and the idea of going through and recovering from yet another procedure that seldom produces anything revealing is too much for me.
Thanks so much for your input. I really appreciate it!

Heb1212, why are you trying to get a lip biopsy? Do you have Sjogren's or not? APLS is often linked to a thrombotic form of SLE, not Sjogren's. If you have very high APLS, then your rheumy should have done a full SLE panel which includes ANA, DS-DNA, SSA/SSB, etc. The last 2 are Sjogren's antibodies but they're used also to diagnose SLE, especially SSA/Ro, since more people with lupus are positive for it than Sjogren's.

That's to make sure that your APLS is not secondary. You need to rule that out since you have muscle aches and joint paints which are indicative of SLE as well as other rheumatic autoimmune diseases. You need to see a rheumy who's up to speed on autoimmune diseases and is up to date with her continuing education requirements, not someone who specializes in gout or osteoporosis.

Make sure your blood records show SLE antibodies (DS-DNA, Smith, Sm-RNP, RNP, Chromatin, SSA/SSB and ANA) and other antibodies for rheumatic autoimmunity like RA, Scleroderma, MCTD, etc. She may not have tested all but a few like CCP or RA factor given your joint pain symptoms.

With regard to neuropathy, that could arise with SLE, Sjogren's, MCTD and even RA, in other words, most rheumatic autoimmune diseases. However, neuropathy is usually not that severe with rheumatic autoimmunity. It's peripheral, i.e., your limbs, not systemic. That's why you really need a good doc who can screen you properly to see what else is lurking.

The most urgent thing for you is to retest that APLS. If it was a false positive and due to some viral activity like your rheumy says, then we don't have to worry about this. But you still need to chase down your joint/muscle and neuropathy issues. After retesting your APLS and making sure your rheumy checked antibodies for rheumatic diseases, I'd go see a neuro for your neuropathy if not solved. .

I don't recommend a lip biopsy; it's disfiguring and has little value. Some doctors do it for their intellectual curiosity. Sjogren's can be easily diagnosed based on symptoms and antibodies. When you don't have dry eyes or a dry throat, there is no point.

[QUOTE=heb1212;1148993]defintely see a rheumy. you should also get tested for diabetes, since diabetic neuropathy causes both PN and AUTONOMIC which would be systemic, and some vitamin deficiencies as well.

I have Interstitial Cystitis (IC). It is an incurable bladder disease.....just a couple of months after I was told I have IC, I started having Small Fiber Neuropathy (SFN). I am absolutely miserable.....I have IBS symptoms, ringing in my ears, pressure in abs and back. I believe everything is related somehow......systemic. Hoping nothin else starts up!!
Kate

I was actually diagnosed with Small Fiber Neuropathy about 5 months ago via skin punch. It is considered idiopathic. They have ruled out diabetes as I have passed all blood three tests for it on more than one occasion. I have a large thyroid nodule and a few small ones (benign). My thyroid levels are considered normal even though the THYROID PEROXIDASE (TPO) AB is high (43). every other possible blood test has been done, vitamins, toxins, etc. They have given up sent me off and said lets see if something comes up later. But small fiber neuropathy is very painful. :rolleyes: