Cognitive Impairment (Brain Fog)
Some people with Sjogren’s syndrome (about 10 to 40 percent) experience some sort of issue with the central nervous system (CNS) or the spinal cord. The result could be a variety of health problems such as cognitive disruptions, brain damage or malfunctions (known as encephalopathy), myelopathy (injury to the spinal cord), optic neuropathy (optic nerve damage), and seizures. These symptoms are of course related to a variety of other health conditions; therefore, it is important to speak to your doctor if you are feeling unwell and feel that you may be experiencing any of the aforementioned symptoms. The majority of individuals with Sjogren’s syndrome have been found to have impairments with motor function and sensory impairment. In more extreme cases, weakness can progress into paralysis. Therefore, it is important that this disease is caught early on. It is suggested that you keep a diary or log of your different symptoms in order to help paint a better picture for both you and your health care team. This is also important for cognitive issues such as brain fuzziness, referred to as brain fog.
