The neurology of Sjogren's syndrome and the rheumatology of peripheral neuropathy and myelitis

Abstract

Neurological symptoms occur in approximately 20% of patients with Sjögren's syndrome, and may be the presenting manifestations of the disease. Here, we review several neurological conditions that can occur in Sjögren's syndrome: sensory ganglionopathy, painful small fibre neuropathy, and transverse myelitis (independently or as part of neuromyelitis optica). We present the symptoms, signs, differential diagnoses, recommended diagnostic evaluation, and treatment of each of these, highlighting the features that should alert neurologists to consider Sjögren's syndrome.

Keywords: Neuromyelitis Optica; Peripheral Neuropathy; Sjogren Syndrome; Transverse Myelitis.