neurosarcoidosis

A granulomatous disease of unknown etiology involving the central nervous system, usually with concomitant systemic involvement.

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neu·ro·sar·coi·do·sis (noor″o-sahr″koi-doґsis) sarcoidosis involving any part of the nervous system. In the central nervous system there may be granulomas in the meninges near the base of the brain, affecting cranial nerves or nearby spinal cord or obstructing the outflow of cerebrospinal fluid. The cranial nerve most often affected is the facial nerve, resulting in Heerfordt syndrome. The optic nerve, trigeminal nerve, and vestibulocochlear nerve are affected less often. In some patients granulomas affect the hypothalamus and cause endocrine symptoms.