ABSTRACT
Antiphospholipid antibodies may cause various neurologic diseases by vascular and
immune mechanisms. Ischemic stroke and transient ischemic attacks are the most common
neurologic complications in patients with antiphospholipid antibodies but migraine,
epilepsy, chorea, or multiple sclerosis also may occur. Although the neurologic presentation
of patients with the antiphospholipid syndrome may vary, many patients have striking
similarities, such as initial memory loss, aphasia, cognitive dysfunction with progressive
cerebral deterioration, and even dementia. In conclusion, antiphospholipid syndrome
may constitute a treatable cause of neurologic diseases, and the measurement of antiphospholipid
antibodies should be routinely performed in patients with neurologic disorders.
KEYWORDS
Stroke - neurologic - antiphospholipid syndrome - epilepsy
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Wolfgang MiesbachM.D.
Medical Clinic III, Institute of Transfusion Medicine, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University
Frankfurt/Main, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt/Main, Germany
Email: wolfgang.miesbach@kgu.de