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NINDS Neurological Complications of AIDS Information Page Synonym(s): Reviewed 10-06-2003 Get Web page suited for printing Email this to a friend or colleague Table of Contents (click to jump to sections) What are Neurological Complications of AIDS?Is there any treatment? What is the prognosis? What research is being done? Organizations Related NINDS Publications and Information What are Neurological Complications of AIDS? Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) is the result of an infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This virus attacks selected cells of the immune, nervous, and other systems and impairs their proper function. HIV infection may cause damage to the brain and spinal cord via encephalitis (inflammation of the brain) and meningitis (inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain). It can also cause nerve damage, difficulties in thinking (i.e., AIDS dementia complex), behavioral changes, poor circulation, headache, and stroke. AIDS-related cancers such as lymphoma and opportunistic infections (OI) may also affect the nervous system. Neurological symptoms may be mild in the early stages of AIDS, but can become severe in the final stages. Complications vary widely from one patient to another. Cerebral toxoplasmosis, a common OI in AIDS patients, causes such symptoms as headache, confusion, lethargy, and low-grade fever. Other symptoms may include weakness, speech disturbance, ataxia, apraxia, seizures, and sensory loss. Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a disorder that can also occur in AIDS patients, causes weakness, hemiparesis or facial weakness, dysphasia, vision loss, and ataxia. Some patients with PML may also develop compromised memory and cognition. Is there any treatment? What is the prognosis? What research is being done? Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation
American Foundation for AIDS Research
National Association of People with AIDS
National NeuroAIDS Tissue Consortium
National Prevention Information Network
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious
Diseases (NIAID)
AIDSInfo (AIDS Information Service) Related NINDS Publications and Information
NINDS health-related material is provided for information purposes only and does not necessarily represent endorsement by or an official position of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke or any other Federal agency. Advice on the treatment or care of an individual patient should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined that patient or is familiar with that patient's medical history. All NINDS-prepared information is in the public domain and may be freely copied. Credit to the NINDS or the NIH is appreciated. Provided by: | |||||
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
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