Migraine, memory loss, and “multiple sclerosis ”. Neurological features of the antiphospholipid (Hughes’) syndrome

• Published in: Postgraduate medical journal Vol. 79; no. 928; pp. 81 - 83
• Main Author: Hughes, G R V
• Format: Journal Article Book Review
• Language: English
• Published: London The Fellowship of Postgraduate Medicine 01-02-2003; BMJ; Oxford University Press; BMJ Group
• Subjects: Adult; antiphospholipid syndrome; Antiphospholipid Syndrome - diagnosis; Antiphospholipid Syndrome - drug therapy; APS; Biological and medical sciences; Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Headache Disorders - diagnosis; Hughes’ syndrome; Humans; INR; international normalised ratio; Medical sciences; Memory Disorders - diagnosis; memory loss; migraine; multiple sclerosis; Multiple Sclerosis - diagnosis; Nervous System Diseases - diagnosis; Nervous system involvement in other diseases. Miscellaneous; Neurology; Review; Human; Immunopathology; Memory disorder; Nervous system diseases; Stroke; Antiphospholipid antibody syndrome; Epilepsy; Migraine; Cardiovascular disease; Autoimmune disease; Hemopathy; Anticoagulant; Cerebral disorder; Vascular disease; Symptomatology; Chemotherapy; Platelet; Pain; Treatment; Central nervous system disease; Amnesia; Neurological disorder; Cerebrovascular disease
• ISSN: 0032-5473; 1469-0756
• DOI: 10.1136/pmj.79.928.81

The antiphospholipid syndrome (APS, Hughes’ syndrome), first described in 1983, is a prothrombotic disease in which neurological events feature prominently. Strokes, transient ischaemic attacks, and headaches (including migraine) are important complications. However, it is clear that other neurological symptoms, including diplopia, memory loss, ataxia, and “multiple sclerosis-like” features are common. A notable feature of Hughes’ syndrome is the clinical response to anticoagulants; features such as headache and memory loss often improving dramatically with appropriate warfarin dosage. APS may well become recognised as an important (and potentially treatable) cause of neurological disease.