What are the symptoms of CNS vasculitis?
The signs and symptoms of CNS vasculitis are similar to those encountered in having a stroke because they result from a reduction or sudden stoppage of blood flow to the brain. In general, while the disease may present abruptly, it more commonly causes a waxing and waning illness where there are multiple neurologic signs and symptoms that evolve over many weeks or months. There may be transient ischemic attacks or brief periods of visual loss, inability to use an arm or a leg, or speech impairment. Severe headache that is unresponsive to conventional therapy is also a very common symptom. On occasion, involvement of the spinal cord may also cause weakness of the arms and legs. Other symptoms that could suggest CNS vasculitis are far less specific and include profound loss of memory and concentration (i.e. dementia), an altered level of consciousness, and problems with bowel or bladder function. The symptoms of CNS vasculitis may be extremely difficult to separate from more common forms
