What are the differences and similarities betweenlupus (systemic lupus erythematosus)andmultiple sclerosis (MS)?
Lupus and MS Basics
Lupus (systemic lupus erythematosus) andmultiple sclerosiscan appear similar in many ways.
Both lupus and MS are chronicautoimmune diseases.
Verywell / Jessica Olah
(Some forms of lupus only affect the skin, such as a condition known asdiscoid lupus erythematosus.)
The myelin sheath can be thought of as the outer cover of an electrical cord.
When the cover is damaged or missing, touching the wires could give you a shock.
When the myelin sheath is damaged, impulses between the brain to the body may not be transmitted properly.
These differences are especially important as the treatments for the two diseases are usually quite different.
MS is the most common neurological disease that strikes young people.
About half of lupus patients will have central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) symptoms.
Differences in Symptoms
Lupus and MS have similar symptoms.
Both diseases tend to cause:
Yet there are differences as well.
Lupus Symptoms
Two of the most common symptoms of lupus are rashes and joint pain.
This antibody, also calledlupus anticoagulant, increases the ability of the blood to clot.
It’s found in 50% of cases of lupus.
Whileantinuclear antibodiesmay be found in some people with MS, their presence is much less common than with lupus.
With lupus, it is rarenotto have antinuclear antibodies (ANA-negative lupus.)
Rarely, people with lupus will havetransverse myelitis.
This condition is marked by spinal cord inflammation and damage to the myelin sheath.
It mimics MS and is sometimes the only lupus symptom.
It can, therefore, confuse a diagnosis.
That prognosis has improved significantly.
In 1955, only half of people with lupus were expected to live beyond five years.
Now, 95% are alive after 10 years.
That’s not all, though: Some MS medications can make lupus symptoms worse.
Ask about and learn about your diagnosis.
If you don’t understand something, ask again.
If the diagnosis doesn’t seem to fit, be sure to mention that at your next appointment.
check that you are seeing a specialist who is anexpert at treating either lupusor anMS specialist.
You may also want to get a second opinion.
You might feel like you are alone in coping with your diagnosis.
There is less understanding about lupus or MS in the population at large relative to many other medical conditions.
Many of the symptoms are not visible to others, resulting in “silent suffering.”
Consider joining a support group or an online support community.
Correction-September 12, 2022: The article was updated to clarify the differences between MS and lupus symptoms.
However, people with lupus can live long, healthy lives with the help of professional treatment.
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