Yes, spondylitis (like Ankylosing Spondylitis) can indirectly affect the brain, primarily through inflammation, chronic pain, and poor sleep, leading to common cognitive issues known as "brain fog", characterized by memory problems, difficulty concentrating, and mental fatigue, though direct neurological damage is rare but possible in severe cases. Chronic inflammation and related factors like depression, fatigue, and medication side effects all play a role in this cognitive dysfunction.
Symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis
Stage 4 is the last stage of ankylosing spondylitis (AS). During this phase, AS may cause fusion of the vertebrae in the spine, significantly reducing spinal flexibility and range of motion.
July 18, 2025
A new peer-reviewed study published in Arthritis & Rheumatology suggests that ivarmacitinib, a new medication known as a selective JAK1 inhibitor, may be a promising treatment for people with active ankylosing spondylitis (AS). The study was a randomized, double-blind clinical trial.
Spondylitis is a type of arthritis that primarily affects the spine. It causes inflammation of the vertebrae, which can lead to severe pain and discomfort. In advanced cases, it can lead to erosion of the joint between the spine and the hip or development of new bone followed by fused vertebrae.
Neurological complications and symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis
Diagnosis of Ankylosing Spondylitis. A rheumatologist is commonly the type of physician who will diagnose ankylosing spondylitis (AS), since they are doctors who are specially trained in diagnosing and treating disorders that affect the joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, connective tissue, and bones.
For long-term treatment, biologics are generally considered safer than prolonged steroid use. While steroids work quickly to reduce inflammation, they can cause serious side effects when used long-term, including: Bone loss and increased fracture risk. Weight gain and swelling.
The most commonly used drugs are TNF-α inhibitors, including infliximab and cetuzumab. In fact, the use of TNF-α inhibitors can often improve the symptoms when the effect of NSAIDs are far from satisfactory.
The name has recently changed to axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA) based on the 2009 ASAS classification criteria to better include early disease, theoretically before the occurrence of bony structural damage [2]. Initially it mainly affects the sacroiliac joints (SIJ), and, usually later, the spinal column.
Iritis. Iritis, also known as acute anterior uveitis, is a condition sometimes associated with AS where the front part of the eye becomes red and swollen. It usually only affects 1 eye, rather than both. If you have iritis, your eye may become red, painful and sensitive to light (photophobia).
HLA-B27 positivity alone is not life‑threatening. Most carriers never develop disease, but it increases risk for inflammatory conditions (e.g., ankylosing spondylitis, uveitis) that can cause chronic pain, functional problems, and rare complications if untreated. Early diagnosis and treatment lower risks.
One of the most common symptoms of brain inflammation is brain fog, that feeling of slow and fuzzy thinking. Other common brain inflammation symptoms include depression, anxiety, irritability, anger, memory loss, and fatigue.
In addition to common symptoms like back pain, one rare complication of spondylitis and other inflammatory conditions is cognitive impairment. Sometimes called “brain fog,” cognitive impairment can include mental changes such as temporary memory loss, forgetfulness, and difficulty remembering words or phrases.
HUMIRA Dosing for Ankylosing Spondylitis
The recommended dose is 40 mg every other week. Always follow your doctor's instructions about when and how often to take HUMIRA. HUMIRA is given by an injection under the skin. Your first dose of HUMIRA must be given under the supervision of a health care professional.
Who Should Not Take Biologics?
Among the top nine biologicals in global sales in 2023, three — adalimumab, ustekinumab, and aflibercept — have multiple biosimilars approved worldwide. Beyond the top nine biologicals, two complex drugs also achieved substantial sales in 2023.
It's usually best not to stop taking a biologic, since most of these medications don't work as well when restarted. Reasons you might stop taking a biologic include failure to respond well to the medication, serious side effects, pregnancy, elective surgery, and necessary vaccinations.
IL-17 inhibitors used to treat ankylosing spondylitis include secukinumab (Cosentyx), ixekizumab (Taltz) and bimekizumab (Bimzelx). JAK inhibitors available to treat ankylosing spondylitis include tofacitinib (Xeljanz) and upadacitinib (Rinvoq).
Seronegative inflammatory spondyloarthropathies such as psoriatic arthritis, reactive arthritis, noninflammatory spondyloarthropathies such as diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis, and ochronotic arthritis resulting from alkaptonuria can affect the axial skeleton and present with symptoms similar those of ...
Dan Reynolds Has Ankylosing Spondylitis
The 37-year-old lead singer of the band Imagine Dragons has ankylosing spondylitis (AS), a form of inflammatory arthritis that affects the joints, ligaments, and tendons of the spine.
Ankylosing spondylitis can cause brain fog, which makes it hard to think and remember things. People with ankylosing spondylitis have a higher risk of depression and anxiety. Getting good sleep can help improve thinking and memory problems.
Key symptoms to watch for include sudden severe headaches, unexplained numbness or tingling, vision changes, cognitive decline, muscle weakness, tremors, balance problems, speech difficulties, and seizures. These can indicate serious neurological conditions requiring prompt medical attention.
10 Medical Symptoms You Should Never Ignore