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Neurological Complications of the Leukemias Across the Ages

  • Neurology of Systemic Diseases (J Biller, Section Editor)
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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Acute and chronic leukemias are heterogeneous diseases and can affect any part of the body upon initial discovery. Understanding the sequela of systemic involvement is key for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Recent Findings

Over the decades, new research has emerged regarding neurological complications of the myeloid or lymphoid leukemias. Central nervous system involvement usually confers a poor prognosis and requires emergent treatment. Standard of care still involves systemic therapy, intrathecal administration of chemotherapeutic agents, and cranial radiation. Treatment-related side effects can occur and need to be recognized by any practitioner involved with patient care.

Summary

It is imperative to understand neurologic complications from leukemia to prevent delays and initiate necessary treatment to maintain neurologic and cognitive function.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL, USA

    Stephanie Berg & Sucha Nand

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  1. Stephanie Berg
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  2. Sucha Nand
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Correspondence to Stephanie Berg.

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Stephanie Berg and Sucha Nand declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Neurology of Systemic Diseases

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Berg, S., Nand, S. Neurological Complications of the Leukemias Across the Ages. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 17, 13 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11910-017-0726-1

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