Vasculitic Neurologic Injury

Vasculitic diseases can affect any organ system including the peripheral nervous system and the central nervous system. Neurologic injury is characterized by the presence of inflammatory cells in and around the blood vessels resulting in narrowing or blockage of the blood vessels that supply the nervous system. Neurologic manifestations of vasculitis can range from headaches and visual disturbances to numbness and paralysis. Diagnosis of vasculitic neuropathy or central nervous system vasculitis will require a thorough history and physical and carefully selected laboratory and radiological tests. Corticosteroids and immunosuppressive medications have helped improve neurological recovery. Although significant progress has been made, there are still no controlled therapeutic trials for the treatment of vasculitic neuropathy or central nervous system vasculitis.