Neuropsychiatric manifestations in rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease characterized by persistent synovitis, systemic inflammation, and the presence of autoantibodies. Neuropsychiatric manifestations are quite common in RA, including depression, cognitive dysfunction, behavior changes, spinal cord compression and peripheral nerve involvement. Potential causes include systemic inflammatory process, neural compression due to bone and joint destruction, side effects of medications and copying difficulties due to the chronicity of the disease. A high level of suspicious is required for an adequate diagnosis and treatment. In this review, we will discuss topographically the main neuropsychiatric manifestations described in RA patients, in an attempt to help in the management of these complex and multifaceted disease.

Keywords: Brain; Cervical spine; Neurological manifestations; Peripheral neuropathy; Rheumatoid arthritis.