Central Nervous System (CNS) Vasculitis

Central Nervous System (CNS) Vasculitis

  • Overview
  • Appointments
  • Symptoms
  • Diagnosis
  • Treatments
  • Doctors

    • What is Central Nervous System (CNS) Vasculitis?

    Central Nervous System (CNS) vasculitis is a rare disease that causes inflammation of the small arteries and veins in the brain and/or spinal cord. The brain and spinal cord make up the CNS.

    The disease affects fewer than three individuals per one million, regardless of sex or age, and is associated with an overactive immune system that attacks the blood vessels in the brain. The inflamed vessel wall can block the flow of oxygen-containing blood to the brain, resulting in a loss of brain function, or stroke. CNS vasculitis can be caused by an underlying autoimmune disease (such as Sjogren’s syndrome or lupus), or it can develop independently. Because CNS vasculitis is extremely rare, there is much to learn about why it occurs and how it presents.

    Appointment Information

    To schedule an appointment, call our general Neurology Clinic phone number at 734-936-9020.

    What are the symptoms of CNS vasculitis?

    Symptoms of CNS vasculitis may include:

    • New, severe headaches
    • Strokes or transient ischemic attacks (mini-strokes)
    • Significant forgetfulness or confusion
    • Weakness, especially of the limbs
    • Loss of balance and gait disturbance
    • Vision loss
    • Seizures
    • Sensation abnormalities (numbness and tingling, especially on one side of the body)

    How is CNS vasculitis diagnosed?

    CNS vasculitis is often diagnosed through:

    • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan of the brain with contrast
    • Magnetic resonance (MR) or computed tomography (CT) angiography
    • Conventional angiography
    • Lumbar puncture (spinal tap)
    • Brain biopsy

    How is CNS vasculitis treated?

    Patients diagnosed with CNS vasculitis typically follow with a vascular (stroke) neurologist and a rheumatologist. Most are treated with steroids and other immunosuppressant drugs, which may be prescribed on a long-term basis.

    Physical and occupational therapy can be important for patients with motor or gait deficits. Involvement of speech-language pathologists is recommended for patients with speech, language or cognitive issues.

    Doctors

     Search for a U-M Health doctor     Margaret Leslie Mcdermott, MD

    Margaret Leslie Mcdermott, MD, MS

    Clinical Associate Professor

    Vascular Neurology, Neurology

    Lewis B Morgenstern

    Lewis Bayard Morgenstern, MD

    Professor

    Vascular Neurology, Neurology

    Erika Layne Weil, MD

    Erika Layne Weil, MD

    Clinical Assistant Professor

    Neurology

    News & Stories
    cells close up blue and green background microscope
    Health Lab

    Engineered nanoparticles sensitize gliomas to radiotherapy

    University of Michigan researchers discovered a new pathway that sensitizes mIDH1 gliomas to radiation in human and mouse mIDH1 glioma cells and mouse models, paving the way for phase 1 clinical trials in humans
         brain scans and doctors white coats pointing
    Health Lab

    A concussion expert and football father discusses why he values teamwork over zero-risk

    U-M Health’s Jonathan Lifshitz, Ph.D., discusses why his work with concussions hasn’t changed his stance on his sons playing contact sports
         woman with older woman at table helping on tablet
    Health Lab

    First person-centered measure of dementia caregiving styles improves partner, patient outcomes

    First person-centered measure of dementia caregiving styles improves partner and patient outcomes.
         woman on phone taking notes
    Health Lab

    7 things every family caregiver should know – but many don’t

    A guide to many community resource, and state and federal programs, that University of Michigan polls show caregivers to older adults and people with disabilities often don’t know about.
         hospital bed yellow navy grainy
    Health Lab

    Trial focuses on duration of therapeutic hypothermia for out-of-hospital cardiac arrests

    U-M researchers led the ICECAP trial, the largest U.S. study of therapeutic hypothermia after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, finding longer cooling offered no benefit.
         e-bike handles on road close up
    Health Lab

    E-bikes are faster than ever. Are families prepared for the risks?

    As e-bikes and e-scooters grow in popularity, Michigan Medicine experts are warning families that many riders and parents may not fully understand the speeds these devices can reach or the injuries that can follow when things go wrong.