It's More Than in Your Head-- Neurological Manifestations of Sjögren's and Lupus with Dr. Julius Birnbaum
AiArthritis Voices 360 Main, Full Episode 108
Air Date: April 6, 2025
This episode is a Step 2, as outlined in our 6 Step Patient-Led Problem Solving Process.
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.
Discover Dr. Julius Birnbaum's newly released book, Living Well With Autoimmune Diseases: A Rheumatologist’s Guide to Taking Charge of Your Health
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Episode Highlights:
- Understanding the link between AiArthritis 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.
AiArthritis Voices 360 is produced by the International Foundation for Autoimmune and Autoinflammatory Arthritis. Visit us on the web at
www.aiarthritis.org/talkshow. Find us on Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook (@IFAiArthritis) or email us (podcast@aiarthritis.org). Be sure to check out our top-rated show on
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Todos nuestros episodios principales del primer domingo de cada mes son un episodio inicial para "poner el tema sobre la mesa". (Paso 2 del proceso de resolución de problemas de 6 pasos de nuestra organización) o un episodio de "revisión de la mesa" (Paso 6 en el proceso de 6 pasos de nuestra organización)donde nos basamos en un programa anterior porque hemos avanzado en el desarrollo de ayuda, herramientas o proyectos en torno al tema. (Paso 5 del proceso de 6 pasos de nuestra organización).
Tras la emisión de cada programa, ampliamos la conversación a numerosos debates en diversos formatos, a los que ahora llamamos #360its.
Your Host: Who is at the Table this Episode?
Leila P.L. Valete, Health Education Manager
Leila P.L. Valete
is the Health Education Manager at the International Foundation for AiArthritis. She is a person living with Lupus & Sjögren's. 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. Leila is on social media as @Lupus.Lifestyle.Lei sharing bits and pieces about her life with lupus and connecting with others.
Dr. Julius Birnbaum, reumatólogo, neurólogo y autor.
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.
Pull up your seat at the table
Now it's YOUR TURN to join the conversation!
What do you think about this episode?
We want to know what you think! By continuing the conversation with your opinions and perspectives - we all get a better understanding of the problems facing our community. Better yet, through these conversations we can start working and developing solutions.
We mean it when say 360. Not only do we want your input anytime and anywhere, but we also are eager to see where the conversation will take us. So please, "pull up a seat at the table" and let's start talking!
Email us at podcast@aiarthritis.org, message us on social media (find us by searching for @IFAiArthritis)
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