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.