What is Neurological
Manifestations 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 impairing
their proper function. HIV infection may cause damage to the brain and
spinal cord, causing encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), meningitis
(inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain), 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
may 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?
There is no cure for AIDS but recently developed, experimental treatments
appear very promising. Some symptoms and complications may improve with
treatment. For example, antidementia drugs may relieve confusion and slow
mental decline. Infections may be treated with antibiotics. Radiation
therapy may be needed to treat AIDS-related cancers present in the brain
or spinal cord. Drug "cocktails" recommended to treat AIDS can
cause neuropathy. Neurological complications of AIDS are often
underrecognized by AIDS clinicians, so patients who suspect they are
having neurological complications should be sure to discuss these with
their doctor.
What is the prognosis?
The prognosis for individuals with AIDS in recent years has improved
significantly because of new drugs and treatments, and educational and
preventive efforts.
What research is being done?
The NINDS supports a broad spectrum of basic and clinical research studies
on the neurological complications of AIDS. Much of this research is
conducted at leading biomedical research institutions across the country.
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NUTRIENTS, DAILY AMOUNTS, AND APPLICATIONS
MEDICAL ALERT!
- If you are HIV-positive, you should be under a doctor's care.
- Folic acid in doses exceeding 400 micrograms daily should be
taken only under your doctor's supervision, as this vitamin can mask
signs of a vitamin B12 deficiency.
- Doses of selenium in excess of 100 micrograms a day should be
taken only under medical supervision.
- Vitamin A has been linked to birth defects when taken during
early pregnancy in doses of 10,000 international units daily. Women
of childbearing age should consult their doctors before taking this
much vitamin A. Women who are pregnant should not use this therapy.
- You should check with your doctor before supplementing vitamin
B12 if you have any kind of infection.
- Vitamin D in doses exceeding 600 international units daily
should be taken only under medical supervision.
- If you are taking anticoagulant drugs, you should not take
vitamin E supplements.
- A study at Johns Hopkins School of Hygiene and Public Health in
Baltimore has found an association between zinc and the progression
of HIV infection to AIDS. Do not take zinc supplements without first
consulting your doctor.
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