Ep 108 - Neurological Manifestations of Lupus & Sjogren's Disease with Dr. Julius Birnbaum

Autoimmune diseases like lupus and Sjogren’s disease are often associated with joint pain, fatigue, and organ involvement, but their impact on the nervous system is less commonly discussed. In this episode, Dr. Julius Birnbaum, a leading expert in neuro-rheumatology, joins us to explore the neurological manifestations of these conditions and what patients need to know.

From brain fog and memory issues to more severe complications like neuropathy, Dr. Birnbaum explains how these diseases affect the brain and nerves, why symptoms can be challenging to diagnose, and the latest advancements in treatment.

If you or a loved one live with lupus or Sjogren’s and have experienced unexplained neurological symptoms, this episode provides clarity, validation, and expert insights on what to look for and how to advocate for proper care.

 

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Episode Highlights:

• Understanding the link between autoimmune diseases and the nervous system.
• Common neurological symptoms in lupus and Sjogren’s
• Why neurological symptoms are often overlooked or misdiagnosed.
• The latest research and treatment approaches for managing neurological complications.
• How to advocate for proper testing and care if you suspect neurological involvement.

 

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Connect with our Cohost & Guest:

Dr. Julius Birnbaum is a distinguished rheumatologist with 20 years of experience and the only physician in the U.S. trained as an internist, neurologist, and rheumatologist. He completed his medical training at Columbia, Mount Sinai, Jacobi Medical Center, and Johns Hopkins, where he later pioneered a Neuro-Rheumatology Clinic to treat complex neurological complications of autoimmune diseases. Dr. Birnbaum has authored over 30 publications in prestigious medical journals and has been a featured speaker at national and international rheumatology conferences. Currently, he serves as Associate Professor of Rheumatology at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC) and Division Chief of Rheumatology at UPMC Mercy Hospital, where he continues to teach and mentor medical trainees. Outside of medicine, he enjoys sports like basketball, swimming, and running, which he shares with his wife and three children in Wexford, Pennsylvania.

 

Connect with Dr. Birnbaum:

Book: Living Well With Autoimmune Diseases: A Rheumatologist’s Guide to Taking Charge of Your Health - https://bit.ly/41XrpZR

Website: https://www.juliusbirnbaum.com/

 

Leila is the Health Education Manager at the International Foundation for AiArthritis. She is a person living with Lupus and Sjögren’s disease. She is passionate about inclusion and diversity in health education and meeting individuals where they are at in order to learn in a way that resonates with them. 

 

Connect with Leila:

Tiktok: @Lupuslifestyle.lei