My Neurological Lupus Symptoms

Complications from lupus can result in neurological problems, that some may not understand if they are not familiar with how lupus. It can lead to headaches, nerve issues, seizures, and more. A common neurological symptom many with lupus experience is brain fog, where we tend to forget the simplest things.

One time I went shopping at the mall and lost my car keys in a store. I had an anxiety attack because one of the workers told me I would have to wait until the store closed to be able to find my keys, or see if someone turned them in. It was only 12 in the afternoon and that was a long wait, so I had to retrace my steps.

I tend to have a rough attitude when things are misplaced because I place things in certain places. This way I know where to look and don’t misplace whatever I need. This can cause me to become very frustrated and lash out if I can't find something.

Cognitive dysfunction

So I always place my things in three different places and if something is not there, it is because someone else moved it. This is because I suffer from something called cognitive dysfunction, where I have an impaired ability to think, learn, remember, use judgment, and make decisions.

When I was in college I had this really bad, but had no medication for it. I thought I was losing my mind. I would study all night and still forget the answers, or what I learned the day before.

Treating neurological symptoms

There are plenty of ways to treat neurological symptoms when it comes to treating lupus. For example, steroids, antidepressants and electrolytes.

A neurologist can become involved with your lupus care team to come up with the proper care when it comes to your lupus. I always wondered why my doctor was so amazed when I would remember the name of my meds and the dosages. I knew that’s the most important thing, was remembering diagnoses and medications needed to take to treat me and make me feel better.

Misdiagnosed

Have you ever felt like some people misdiagnosed you as well? I have been diagnosed with bipolar disorder and I don’t believe I have that. I think I am just more frustrated than anything and need to find better outlets than the ones I have been taking.

Staying on top of medications

Did any drugs help my neurological symptoms? It's hard to know. I wish I had the best insurance because I would have love to continue some that I've tried, but my job insurance sure does suck.

When taking lupus medications, be sure to take them on time so you don’t enter a psychotic state like I did a few times, and blocked myself out from the world. I don’t become violent in my problems. I just quiet myself and stay alone and away from everyone.

But no matter how these things manifest, it is always important to seek help from a professional because there are people willing to help.