Understanding Stroke and Lupus

by

Elaine T. Veῆegas, MD

March 2, 2013

What is Lupus?

Wilma

L

Bimbo

L

Wilma

L

Bimbo

L

Wilma

L

L

Light Sensitivity

Joint Pains

1

Butterfly Rash

1

Nail Changes

1

Fever and Fatigue

1

Reynaud’s Phenomenon

1

Hair Loss

Who Gets Lupus?

What organs are affected by Lupus?

What organs are affected by Lupus?

LUNGS

KIDNEYS HEART

What organs are affected by Lupus?

DIGESTIVEBLOOD

NERVOUS S.

What is STROKE?

What is Stroke?

ISCHEMIC STROKE

(INFARCT)

HEMORRHAGIC STROKE

How does lupus cause STROKE?

Causes of STROKE in lupus

ABNORMAL ANTIBODIES:

Antiphospholipid antibodies

(APA) Anticardiolipin antibodies Lupus anticoagulant

ATTACK the blood vessel

initiates the formation of BLOOD CLOTS

EMBOLIC STROKE

“Sticky Blood

Syndrome”

Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome (APAS): “sticky blood syndrome”

Twenty to 35% of women with SLE develop APAS

APAS occurs for the most part in young women of fertile age

CRITERIA: Vascular thrombosis

pregnancy morbidity

Antiphospholipid Antibody Syndrome (APAS): “sticky blood syndrome”

CRITERIA:Vascular thrombosis

In any tissue or organ

pregnancy morbidity 1 or more unexplained

fetal death at 10 wks

or beyond OR 1 or more premature birth

at or before 34thwk AOG OR– 3 or more consecutive spontaneous

abortions Anticardiolipin antibodies Lupus anticoagulant

Causes of STROKE in lupus

VASCULITIS:

Antibodies ATTACK the blood vessel

INFLAMMATION

DECREASES blood flow

Causes of STROKE in lupus

ATHEROSCLEROSIS:

ARTERIES are NARROWED by plaque

DECREASES blood flow

TRANSIENT ISCHEMIC ATTACK

· A mini-stroke· Symptoms last a few minutes or hours

Never ignore a TIA !

It is often a sign that a more damaging stroke is on the way

WARNING SIGNS OF STROKE

weakness on one side of the body

loss of speech or trouble understanding speech

loss of vision, particularly on one eye or double vision

dizziness and loss of balance

numbness/tingling in the face/arm/leg

slurring of speech

severe and unusual headache

SUDDEN….

What to do in case of Stroke ?

the signs of stroke

Do not wait. Go to the nearest ER or hospital with facilities for

stroke care

Seek help right away !

0 - 3 hours treatments most effective

Clot lysis with IV rtPAClot

When we control lupus, we help control stroke

Remember…

REDUCING OUR CHANCE of stroke Have regular medical checkups.

know our:• blood pressure• blood sugar• cholesterol level

…SLE might not have a cure, but it's a highly treatable condition.

Take our medications

Lifestyle Changes for Lupus

Eat a healthy diet. Exercise. Rest. Reduce stress.

Remember..

“ Work with our doctors.. because lupus is always unpredictable and our symptoms are likely to fluctuate over time even with good treatment.”

“ But with patience -- and the help of our health care team -- the odds are good that we'll find a lupus treatment plan that works for us.”

80% to 90% of people with lupus can expect a normal lifespan with good

treatment.

Lupus Foundation of America,

THANK YOU FOR YOUR KIND ATTENTION