Neurological presentations of inflammatory bowel diseases

Abstract

The aim. To characterize the main types of neurological manifestations in inflammatory bowel diseases – Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis.Main concepts. Neurological disorders represent an important aspect of extraintestinal inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) manifestations. According to publications, the incidence of psycho-neurological syndromes varies from 0.25% to 47.50% that apparently depends on the patient’s selection in studies. Neurological signs are not always associated with IBD activity and may precede the manifestation of intestinal inflammation. The most typical include cerebral thromboembolism, peripheral and cranial neuropathies, demyelinating disorders, and cerebral vasculitis. The incidence of ischemic stroke in IBD can reach 6.4%, with approx. 20% of affected persons under 17 y.o. Hemiparesis is the predominant consequence. The risk of intracranial venous thrombosis is increased depending on the activity of intestinal inflammation; this complication can precede manifestation of IBD. Fifty per cent increased risk of multiple sclerosis in IBD patients was shown. The types of peripheral nerves involvement include mononeuropathy, plexopathy, multiple mononeuropathy, compression neuropathy, polyneuropathy and cranial neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy may be found in 32–37% of IBD patients with a special examination. Demyelinating type, sensory axonal polyneuropathy with thin and thick fibers damage, and motor axonal polyneuropathy with thick fibers damage are observed approximately in equal proportions. It is important to differentiate ‘primary’ neuropathy with vitamin B12 and folic acid deficient, alcoholic, diabetic and drug-induced neuropathy. Clinical improvement is usually seen in the course of immunosuppressive therapy. Cranial neuropathy (mostly of II, VI, VII, VIII of cranial nerves) is described in IBD. Neurological disorders associated with administration of metronidazole, sulfasalazine, cyclosporin A, antibodies to TNF-α and integrins α4 and α4ß7 continue to be highly actual.Conclusion. There is a variety of neurologic syndromes in IBD which represents an important part of extraintestinal manifestations. Mild psychoneurological disorders may be not recognized in time. The majority of symptoms and signs may regress in the course of treatment of IBD and nutrients deficiency correction. The special attention should be paid to neurological status control while the biologic and immunosuppressor agents and metronidazole are administered.