Sarcoidosis - nervous system
Involvement of the pituitary gland can cause:
Involvement of the brain or cranial nerves can cause:
Involvement of one or more peripheral nerves:
Note: The symptoms vary. Any part of the nervous system can be affected.
An exam may show problems with one or more nerves.
A history of sarcoidosis followed nerve-related symptoms highly suggests neurosarcoidosis. However, symptoms of the condition can mimic other medical disorders, including diabetes insipidus, hypopituitarism, optic neuritis, meningitis, and certain tumors.
Blood tests are not very helpful in diagnosing the condition. A lumbar puncture may show signs of inflammation. Increased levels of angiotensin-converting enzyme may be found in the blood or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
MRI of the brain may be helpful. A chest x-ray often reveals signs of the sarcoidosis. Nerve biopsy of affected nerve tissue confirms the disorder.