So far, I have to had any neurological issues.

I swear I'm not as sharp mentally since beginning mobic and even duller since beginning humira. Yes, have told RA dr and Humira folks but they dismiss....I think, I don't remember :).

I have lots of neurological issues. Often they are the warning signs of a flare on the way.

The most frequent is when my hands start having "electrical jolts". This often means that there is inflammatory swelling in the carpel tunnel. No, I do not have repetitive stress induced carpal tunnel syndrome. I have rheumatic disease induced inflammation in the carpal tunnel. If I pay attention, I can still shut it down. Ice, pred., rest, wrist braces -- they all combine to help reduce the inflammation. If I had a dollar for every orthopedic nut who wanted to carpal tunnel surgery, I'd be able to buy a burger...

I probably have some but not aware of them.....

My RA self is my new norm - I forget what I used to feel like......

Way before diagnosis when I was a young pup, I had 3 seizures that had to be controlled by medication for many years. I have not had any seizures since 1990. I've been off of seizure meds for years and have not had any more on RA meds.

My neurologist is riding the fence on this topic. He is not sure that the seizures were RA related. However, he did not rule that out completely.

I would be interested in knowing if anyone else has experienced this.

Linda

(Seems logical that inflammation might trigger seizures)

RASALLY - what is your anti-ccp level? I wonder if there is a correlation of that and neurological damage.

Interesting. Same here. :(

I have always noticed that RA flares affect my cognitive function, especially memory.

Even before I had active flares, I was working on a French language vocabulary course. I had always gotten A's in post-secondary, and I could not memorize the 500 words. About 2 days before the exam, I had been studying the words for 2 weeks, with no retention of the material.

Then I had a bad asthma attack and I had to go on 40 mg prednisone daily. I studied for 2 days and aced the test.

When the RA got bad, I basically gave up all schooling. Then when I got on good meds, I went back and did a Master's degree. I just made it through on time before the meds failed. I was planning to do a Ph.D, but there is no point if I cannot think! Sigh!

Many of the same problems as Jen. Speech, memory, thought processing. There are times I sound like I've had a few to many drinks.
Simply can't get the words out or remember the word I want to put in a sentence.
Neuropathy in hands & feet. Not as bad in feet, mostly toes hope it Does not progress. Occipital nerve going up back & side of head.

In no way am I as sharp. Used to be able to sit down advocate for whatever cause with great satisfaction. Now I feel like I'm constantly searching for the words.
It can take a lot of time to get the point across whether it's on paper or verbally. It's beyond not being as sharp as I once was. It's bizarre.
This was out of control after my spinal surgery. Could not recall where the letters were on the key board.
Carpal tunnel appeared post op also. Beginning of my RA diagnosis.
My spinal problems have progressed & new ones developed.
Can debate RA related or not but sure seems to coincide with the RA & progression of RA.
Trying hard not to relate everything to RA but there are certain things that I can't help but wonder.
Makes me think exactly what does all this inflammation do?
In no way do I believe there's enough medical knowledge about this disease.
My new doctor appears to agree. I'm thrilled he does not dismiss concerns based on what "medical science".
I've wandered how many others have some of these problems.
I do not believe the treatments are the cause for me.
The term "brain fog" does not begin to cover it.
Thanks for starting this discussion.
Sammy

Sorry I'm late to the party. It's actually neuro issues that's keeping me from posting.

Im dealing with my 3rd brachial plexus impingement in 6mo. Each time has been progressively worse and more than a little scary. The other times the functioning in my right arm came back within days. This time is almost 3wks & counting. My thumb & index finger move but my wrist & outer 3 fingers don't. The nerves aren't getting the brain signals. I literally took a 2hr nap & woke up with a paralyzed arm.

Since I'm right handed not being able to hold a pen or other basic necessities become more than a little difficult. Re-learning how to do things left handed or one handed is a giant PITA! I'm 3 limbs down now since both feet are hugely swollen and have tendinitis in the balls of my feet.

I also have neuropathy in my feet from long term swelling damaging the nerves (and possibly the vascular system since they think that's the cause.) Also have it in my front left thigh & multiple numb spots on my back. I have a feeling that an EMG or two is in my immediate future.

My piriformis muscle swells, spasms and impinges my sciatic. My lower limbs & spine swells from edema & myositis. But all are wonderful by-products of systemic inflammation. My sed rate/crp are usually closer to normal than not. Inflammation will present itself outwardly (like a skin rash or eye infection) to remind me things still arent controlled well enough.

My cognition skills are dreadful. Never in my life have I felt less able to process & retain info or hold a conversation. Quite a blow to the ego since I read & drafted legal briefs daily PRE-RA. I feel like I have the vocabulary of a 5yr old. Words drop off mid-sentence then I lose my train of thought & any idea what the topic of discussion even was. Drives me batty!

Sally,

The complications just never end, do they?

I'm so glad you feel confident in your neurologist - makes a huge difference as you know.

I'll be praying for results from these tests that will allow you to manage your symptoms effectively. Please keep us posted.

Hugs,
Linda

I have migraines and neurocardiogenic syncopy. I also have nerve neuropathy (tingling in the hands and face) from some of the medicines I take.

Wondering, input please; RA causes inflammation of the membrane that surround the joint, tendons, organs ..... correct? If correct then would not the same be true with the brain? So, as we take meds to help us with RA but how are these meds interacting with the organs/brain? Does anyone know or is it all a guess? I've no clue at all, just speculating out loud.

RASally - I know you have atrophy of both calves, particularly one, but what other vasculitis symptoms are you experiencing? Do you have any cardio issues that led you to this or is the nerve diagnosis the first time you've heard vasculitis regarding the nerves?

You have a lot of symptoms going on. I'm so sorry for all that you endure. I am intrigued that all the nerve issues can end up being possible vasculitis.

A lot of what you have sounds lupus-ish too.

I have a small list for my doctor on Wednesday:
-Throughout day, both calf muscles twitch and sometimes elsewhere in body.
-At night, legs feel like they are vibrating and aching. Lower leg and ankle feels vibration but the aching is all over. Deep ache in BOTH thighs, but its transient. Most aches occur in back of thigh or over quads. BOTH THIGHS ache. After driving on long trip, thigh muscles hurt/ache. (plus stiff joints)
- cramps caused easily by stretching

I think mine is that I'm untreated for RA right now AND I have awful bursitis again. But I don't know with the twitching and cramps caused by stretching.

I'm so grateful that you and Jen and Emerald (and others) have posted what you have happening because by cross referencing, we become aware of other possibilities and educate ourselves. Thank you.