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Neurologic Complications of Sickle Cell Disease

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

Purpose of Review

Sickle cell anemia is a multiorgan disease with acute and chronic complications. Involvement of the central nervous system (CNS) is associated with increased mortality and morbidity. This review highlights the broad spectrum of neurological complications seen in patients with sickle cell disease.

Recent Findings

Increasing recognition of neurological complications has led to improved diagnostic and treatment options throughout the years. Neurologic complications in sickle cell disease include silent cerebral ischemia, ischemic/hemorrhagic stroke, moyamoya syndrome, posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome, cerebral fat embolism, and cerebral venous sinus thrombosis. Treatment varies depending on the neurological complication.

Summary

Sickle cell disease is the most common hereditary anemia with increasing global disease burden. Early recognition and treatment is imperative.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurology, University of Illinois at Chicago College of Medicine, 912 S Wood Street, Suite 164C, Chicago, IL, USA

    Shama Farooq & Fernando D. Testai

  2. Neuropsychiatric Institute, NPI Building, M/C 796, Chicago, IL, 60612-7330, USA

    Fernando D. Testai

Authors
  1. Shama Farooq
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Correspondence to Shama Farooq.

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Farooq, S., Testai, F.D. Neurologic Complications of Sickle Cell Disease. Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep 19, 17 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11910-019-0932-0

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