Blood Cell Disorders and the Nervous System

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This article discusses the epidemiology, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of neurologic complications of common and rare blood cell disorders. RECENT FINDINGS: A growing number of preventive treatment options are available for stroke in sickle cell disease. Paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria and immune thrombocytopenia can lead to stroke. Thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura frequently causes neurologic symptoms and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of a patient with neurologic symptoms, thrombocytopenia, and hemolytic anemia. Polycythemia vera and essential thrombocythemia are rare causes of stroke. SUMMARY: This article discusses sickle cell disease and the most recent advances in stroke preventive therapy as well as neurologic complications of paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria, immune thrombocytopenia, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, polycythemia vera, and essential thrombocythemia.