PhD Conferral Mrs. drs. Mareye Voortman

“The burden of neurosarcoidosis and small fiber neuropathy associated symptoms”

Sarcoidosis is a rare inflammatory disease that can affect many organs and may cause a variety of symptoms. Nervous system involvement, also known as neurosarcoidosis, occurs in 10-15%. The most common manifestations in the Netherlands were meningitis and cranial nerve dysfunction. In a European survey, fatigue and reduced energy levels were reported by almost all sarcoidosis patients (90%), followed by pain, pulmonary symptoms, memory, concentration and sleeping problems. Neurosarcoidosis patients reported even more cognitive failure than general sarcoidosis patients (56% vs 35%). In contrast to other manifestations, the majority of neurosarcoidosis patients (> 90%) require treatment. Hence having sarcoidosis affects not only the quality of life of the patient, but also that of the partners, it is important to involve them in the management as well.