Care for Neurosarcoidosis

Neurologists at NYU Langone’s Sarcoidosis Program have experience in diagnosing and treating neurosarcoidosis. This inflammatory condition affects about 5 to 10 percent of people with sarcoidosis. Neurologic symptoms of neurosarcoidosis may appear before other sarcoidosis symptoms, or they may be the only sign of sarcoidosis.

Symptoms vary depending on the part of the nervous system affected. When neurosarcoidosis affects the optic nerve, for example, patients may experience worsening vision in the affected eye and pain when it moves. Someone whose neurosarcoidosis affects the spinal cord may experience weakness, abnormal sensation, or difficulty emptying the bladder. When neurosarcoidosis affects the brain, it can lead to symptoms that may include seizures, vision problems, or difficulty with thinking and memory.

Neurosarcoidosis is rare, affecting an estimated 1 in 100,000 people in the United States. To make a diagnosis of neurosarcoidosis, the neurologist takes a detailed neurologic history and conducts a comprehensive neurologic examination. Testing for neurosarcoidosis may include MRI of the brain and spinal cord and lumbar puncture, as well as blood tests to exclude alternative diagnoses.

Our neurologists work with you and your other sarcoidosis specialists to develop a personalized treatment plan. A number of medications have been found to be helpful in preventing neurologic symptoms from getting worse or even improving symptoms.

Make an Appointment

Our neurologists can accommodate appointments for patients who need to be seen urgently. If you’re unable to find an appointment with one of our providers using online scheduling, please call us at 646-501-7500.