Sjogren's Syndrome Support Group
Sjogren's syndrome is an autoimmune disorder in which immune cells attack and destroy the exocrine glands that produce tears and saliva. It also associated with rheumatic disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, and it is rheumatoid factor positive in 90 percent of cases.
I recently asked if anyone has had the loss of sight in an eye. I have been hospitalized and had many tests. After seeing several doctors a cardiologist, ophthalmologist and my primary have all agreed it was a type of stroke. Not a TIA but stroke. I still need to have a MRA to check the arteries in my neck. I was SHOCKED to hear it is connected with siogrens. I knew Lupus increased the chances of stroke but not sjogrens. I just want others to know this is another factor to be watchful for, I have low blood pressure and low bad cholesterol so these were not a factor,
I hope you get through this with no lasting problems. Has your vision returned? Were you put on any medication like a blood thinner?
My eyesight returned, did yours?
At the time, I was told it was probably a TIA (another word for mild stroke). But there was no proof of it on the MRI they did which is why they called it a TIA (Transient Eschemic Attack).
There *are* other things that can cause this...(and I believe mine was not a TIA, but something entirely preventable):
http://symptomchecker.webmd.com/multiple-symptoms?symptoms=blackouts-(memory-time-loss)%7Cblank-stare%7Cblindness%7Cconfusion&symptomids=473%7C465%7C333%7C57&locations=2%7C3%7C3%7C2
I later found out...after years of testing (literally years) that it was most likely caused by hypothyroidism. My TSH continually tested "normal" but my Free T4 and Free T3 levels were almost non-detectable.
Hypothyroidism is quite common usually occurs in people (mainly women) who have other auto immune issues, like Sjorgren's.
I don't mean to worry you further, but that might be something you want to check - blood tests consist of TSH, Free T3 and Free T4.
Hypothyroidism can also cause extremely high cholesterol and triglyceride levels.