Recognizable Symptoms Of Lupus

Mental Health Problems And Seizures

A study from the Canadian Institute of Health Research found that the prevalence of mental health issues in those with lupus has significant implications for future medical research and individual management of the condition. Many of these neurological diseases occur before the diagnosis of lupus. The results of the study could mean that some cognitive disorders may create ideal chemical conditions for lupus to develop, or that individuals who have lupus are also affected by some mental health conditions more frequently, either before, or after diagnosis. The most prevalent neurological conditions within those with lupus are headaches, mood disorders, and anxiety or depression. Seizures also occur in between five to ten percent of patients with lupus at some point in their lifetime. Seizures are one of the eleven criteria used to diagnose lupus.

Chest Pain

Chest pain is also another common symptom of lupus and can also be called myocarditis. Myocarditis is the inflammation of the muscle tissue in the heart, which causes pain and irregular or a rapid heartbeat. This symptom can also be mistaken for blood clots in the lungs. Shortness of breath is also a frequent occurrence in those with lupus who suffer chest pain. Many with this type of chest pain will fear the worst and rush to the hospital, but once the pain is identified and managed, it may not be as dangerous as it first seems. Lupus-related pain can also affect the entire body and headaches, joint pain, and cause fever and other viral infection like symptoms. Adequate treatment of lupus will lessen the likelihood of frequent chest pains.