Can connective tissue disease affect the brain?

In one small study, hearing loss was reported in almost half the patients with mixed connective tissue disease. More research is needed to understand this association. Nerve damage. Sjogren syndrome can affect the nerve that carries feeling from your face to your brain (trigeminal nerve).

What are signs of connective tissue disorder?

Symptoms may include:

  • A butterfly-shaped rash on the cheeks and bridge of the nose.
  • Sensitivity to sunlight.
  • Mouth ulcers.
  • Hair loss.
  • Fluid around the heart and/or lungs.
  • Kidney problems.
  • Anemia or other blood cell problems.
  • Problems with memory and concentration or other nervous system disorders.

Is connective tissue disease neurological?

Connective tissue diseases can present with a wide spectrum of neurological symptoms. The present review summarizes the neurological involvement in connective tissue diseases and highlights recent findings on the diagnosis of neurological manifestations and potential underlying mechanisms.

How long can you live with connective tissue disease?

According to the National Institutes of Health, the 10-year survival rate for people with MCTD is about 80 percent. That means 80 percent of people with MCTD are still alive 10 years after being diagnosed.

Which syndrome is most strongly associated with connective tissue problems?

Marfan syndrome, also called arachnodactyly (“spider fingers”), is the most common of the hereditary disorders of connective tissue, having an estimated prevalence of about 15 cases per 1,000,000 population.

How do you test for connective tissue disorder?

Routine screening tests for undifferentiated connective-tissue disease (UCTD) should include the following:

  1. Complete blood count.
  2. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
  3. C-reactive protein (CRP)
  4. Urinalysis with microscopic analysis.
  5. Serum creatinine.
  6. Rheumatoid factor (RF)