Neurologic Symptoms as a Feature of the Antiphospholipid Syndrome

ABSTRACT

Antiphospholipid antibodies may cause various neurologic diseases by vascular and immune mechanisms. Ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attacks are the most common neurologic complications in patients with antiphospholipid antibodies but migraine, epilepsy, chorea, or multiple sclerosis also may occur. Although the neurologic presentation of patients with the antiphospholipid syndrome may vary, many patients have striking similarities, such as initial memory loss, aphasia, cognitive dysfunction with progressive cerebral deterioration, and even dementia. In conclusion, antiphospholipid syndrome may constitute a treatable cause of neurologic diseases, and the measurement of antiphospholipid antibodies should be routinely performed in patients with neurologic disorders.

KEYWORDS

Stroke - neurologic - antiphospholipid syndrome - epilepsy

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