Which are the symptoms of Susacs syndrome?

Susac's syndrome is a rare autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the small blood vessels in the brain, retina, and inner ear. It was first described by Dr. John Susac in 1979 and is characterized by a triad of symptoms: encephalopathy (brain dysfunction), branch retinal artery occlusion (eye problems), and sensorineural hearing loss (inner ear issues).

Encephalopathy: One of the hallmark symptoms of Susac's syndrome is encephalopathy, which refers to a range of neurological symptoms caused by brain dysfunction. These symptoms may include confusion, memory loss, difficulty concentrating, personality changes, mood swings, headaches, and seizures. Encephalopathy can vary in severity and may come and go over time.

Branch Retinal Artery Occlusion (BRAO): Another key symptom of Susac's syndrome is branch retinal artery occlusion, which occurs when the small blood vessels supplying the retina become blocked. This can lead to sudden vision loss or visual disturbances, such as blurry vision, blind spots, or difficulty seeing certain colors. BRAO typically affects one eye initially but can progress to involve both eyes.

Sensorineural Hearing Loss: Sensorineural hearing loss is a common manifestation of Susac's syndrome. It is characterized by a gradual or sudden decrease in hearing ability, often accompanied by tinnitus (ringing in the ears). The hearing loss can range from mild to severe and may affect one or both ears.

In addition to the triad of symptoms, Susac's syndrome may also present with other manifestations:

Visual disturbances: Apart from branch retinal artery occlusion, individuals with Susac's syndrome may experience other visual disturbances, such as photopsia (flashes of light), scotoma (blind spots), or diplopia (double vision).

Balance and coordination problems: Some individuals with Susac's syndrome may have difficulty with balance and coordination, leading to unsteady gait or problems with fine motor skills.

Headaches: Headaches are a common symptom in Susac's syndrome and can range from mild to severe. They may be accompanied by other neurological symptoms.

Fatigue: Many individuals with Susac's syndrome experience persistent fatigue, which can significantly impact daily functioning and quality of life.

Psychiatric symptoms: Psychiatric symptoms, such as depression, anxiety, and irritability, can occur in Susac's syndrome. These symptoms may be a result of the underlying brain dysfunction.

Other neurological symptoms: Susac's syndrome can also cause a variety of other neurological symptoms, including dizziness, vertigo, memory problems, difficulty speaking or understanding language (aphasia), and muscle weakness.

It is important to note that the severity and combination of symptoms can vary widely among individuals with Susac's syndrome. Some individuals may experience only mild symptoms, while others may have more severe and debilitating manifestations. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial to managing the symptoms and preventing long-term complications.