Hughes Syndrome Symptoms Mistaken for MS and Alzheimer’s

Hughes Syndrome will be a new condition to many, which is why an awareness month is currently running.

The condition, also known as Antiphospholipid Syndrome (APS) or sticky blood, only affects around one per cent of the population, still a whopping 600,000 people.

But even with these statistics, it is more common than Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis.

Though the condition can affect anyone, it usually hits people between the ages of 20 and 50 years and is significantly more common in women than men.

The syndrome is an autoimmune disease caused by an overactive immune system.

It causes blood in veins and arteries in the body to clot too quickly.

The condition was only discovered thirty years ago, making it a relatively new disease and one frequently mistaken for Multiple Sclerosis or Alzheimer’s.

Symptoms include:
Headache and migraine
Memory problems
Dizziness and balance difficulties
Visual disturbances
Blotchy skin (livedo reticularis)
Arthralgia (joint pain)
Fatigue

Untreated, it can lead to strokes, deep vein thrombosis, heart attacks and recurrent miscarriages.

Professor Graham Hughes, originally discovered the syndrome and is Consultant Rheumatologist at London Bridge Hospital. He said: “Awareness of Hughes Syndrome remains minimal for a number of reasons. Discovered just over 30 years ago, the condition is still relatively new in the medical domain and thus far there has only been limited research conducted. In addition to this, many medical students are still not being taught about the condition, meaning that new and existing doctors may remain ignorant of the symptoms.”

For more information, visit: www.hughes-syndrome.org