Diagnosis

Lupus may affect the central nervous system in possibly up to 40% of those living with SLE.  Often labelled by the rather scary sounding name, “neuropsychiatric lupus,” its symptoms can range from mild brain fog and headaches to more serious conditions like memory loss, seizures, strokes and others that can dramatically affect quality of life. …

Talking about “biomarkers” may not sound exciting, or even particularly interesting, yet they are absolutely critical to both diagnosing lupus and improving treatment plans for patients.  They are also vitally important tools that scientists use in their search for a cure, and the future of biomarkers is a bright one for those living with lupus! …

From ulcers and dry-mouth, to tooth decay and gum disease, lupus can significantly affect your oral and dental health. Read more about the surprisingly complex relationship between lupus and a healthy smile!   Introduction Signs and Symptoms of Oral and Dental Health Issues in Lupus Causes of Oral and Dental Health Issues in Lupus Oral…

Lupus afflicts approximately 5 million people worldwide. Learn more about this chronic illness and how it impacts those who receive the diagnosis. Introduction What causes SLE? How can SLE affect the body systemically? What are the symptoms of SLE? Diagnosing SLE Managing and Treating SLE In Conclusion Introduction Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic…

The American College of Rheumatology’s (ACR), in 1997, approved a specific set of criteria for the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Recently, however, in collaboration with the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR), these criteria have been significantly revised. Read on to learn more about these important changes and how they can affect how lupus…

Kidney disease, specifically lupus nephritis, is one of the most common and serious conditions for those diagnosed with lupus.  Timely urinalysis testing is a relatively simple and effective way to help with an early diagnosis that may prevent damage later on.  Here is an overview of what you should know and expect from urinalysis testing….

Do you think you may have lupus?  Understanding the complex, multi-step process of getting a lupus diagnosis is one of the most common questions we get and there is no easy answer. The goal of this blog is to describe the most common aspects of the diagnosis process so that you can approach your healthcare practitioner…

Two Scenarios SCENARIO ONE: Sarah’s heart is racing as she sits in her doctor’s office awaiting her test results.   The visible facial rash and joint pain that appeared after her baby was born have been extremely challenging to live with.  The answers to what seem like months of waiting, months of referrals, and months of…