What is Lupus? What is NPSLE?

Real answers. Honest education.

Hope for the journey.

💜 What is Lupus?

Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus or SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks healthy cells and tissues — instead of protecting them.

This can lead to inflammation and long-term damage to the skin, joints, kidneys, heart, lungs, and brain.

➤ Common Symptoms:

Extreme fatigue
Joint pain or swelling
Butterfly-shaped facial rash
Hair loss
Fever
Chest pain
Sunlight sensitivity

It’s a lifelong condition with ups and downs. Flares can happen suddenly and without warning. No two people experience Lupus the same way — and many suffer in silence because they "don’t look sick."

🧠 What is NPSLE?

NPSLE (Neuropsychiatric Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) is a form of Lupus that affects the central or peripheral nervous system, including the brain.

It’s often overlooked — especially in women of color — and many people are misdiagnosed with anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions before ever hearing the word “Lupus.”

➤ NPSLE Symptoms May Include:

Anxiety or panic attacks

Depression or mood swings

Memory loss

Trouble focusing (“brain fog”)

Seizures or tremors

Hallucinations or psychosis

Poor coordination

These symptoms are real — and they’re not “just stress.” They're neurological. And they deserve to be recognized early.

🔬 What the Research Says

Recent studies at Northwestern Medicine have shown that changes in the brain — specifically in immune cells called microglia — may happen before major Lupus symptoms appear.

“We’re learning that NPSLE isn’t just a side effect. It may be one of the earliest signs.” — Dr. Carla Cuda, Northwestern Medicine

In people with NPSLE, these brain immune cells show signs of inflammation that correlate with symptoms like anxiety, movement issues, and memory loss. Understanding this could lead to earlier diagnosis, targeted treatments, and less suffering.

✨ Why This Matters

NPSLE can come before a Lupus diagnosis
Many people are dismissed or misdiagnosed
Black women, in particular, are often ignored or overlooked in care
Teaching people the signs could save time, energy, and emotional pain

Jennifer created The Lupus Rainbow because she lived through this confusion, pain, and silence.

Now, she’s on a mission to help others understand what’s happening in their minds and bodies — and to show them they’re not alone.

Download: NPSLE Fact Sheet

“Understanding NPSLE: The Hidden Side of Lupus”

Do You Still Have Questions?

Jennifer isn’t a doctor — she’s a real person who lived it.

And now she’s here to teach, support, and stand with you.

info@thelupusrainbow.org