NINDS Neurosarcoidosis Information Page

What is Neurosarcoidosis?

Neurosarcoidosis is a manifestation of sarcoidosis in the nervous system.  Sarcoidosis is a chronic inflammatory disorder that typically occurs in adults between 20 and 40 years of age and primarily affects the lungs, but can also impact almost every other organ and system in the body.  Neurosarcoidosis is characterized by inflammation and abnormal cell deposits in any part of the nervous system – the brain, spinal cord, or peripheral nerves.  It most commonly occurs in the cranial and facial nerves, the hypothalamus (a specific area of the brain), and the pituitary gland.  It is estimated to develop in 5 to 15 percent of those individuals who have sarcoidosis.  Weakness of the facial muscles on one side of the face (Bell’s palsy) is a common symptom of neurosarcoidosis.  The optic and auditory nerves can also become involved, causing vision and hearing impairments.  It can cause headache, seizures, memory loss, hallucinations, irritability, agitation, and changes in mood and behavior.  Neurosarcoidosis can appear in an acute, explosive fashion or start as a slow chronic illness.  Because neurosarcoidosis manifests in many different ways, a diagnosis may be difficult and delayed.

Is there any treatment?

What is the prognosis?

What research is being done?