$Unique_ID{BRK00790}
$Pretitle{Infections or Parasites, Nervous System and Sense Organs}
$Title{Doesn't AIDS Also Have Effects on the Nervous System?}
$Subject{AIDS nervs}
$Volume{A-1, F-1}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Doesn't AIDS Also Have Effects on the Nervous System?


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QUESTION:  Although AIDS affects primarily the immune system of the body,
doesn't it also have effects on the nervous system?  Could you please discuss
this in your column?

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ANSWER:  Individuals infected with the virus that suppresses the body's
natural immunological system, resulting in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome
(AIDS), may be affected by a host of nervous system complications in addition
to various disabling infections or tumors.  These neurological illnesses may
be a direct result of infection by the virus itself on the central and
peripheral nervous systems, or an indirect result of the immunological
deficiencies produced by the infection.  In any case, neurological disorders
may manifest themselves well before the appearance of fully developed AIDS.
     Estimates of the incidence of encephalitis in AIDS patients range from 20
to 50 percent or more, making this deadly atrophy of the brain the most common
neurological complication of infection with the AIDS virus.  Encephalitis
begins most often with increased forgetfulness, depression, a sense of fatigue
and of overall mental dullness, along with headaches, and, occasionally,
seizures.  As the disorder progresses, memory impairment becomes more severe,
speech slows, and the neck, face and limbs stiffen.  Generalized weakness
characterizes the late stages of encephalitis, along with mental
deterioration.
     Spinal cord dysfunction can also result from AIDS; loss of muscular
reflexes and incontinence are frequent symptoms.  Meningitis, an acute illness
resembling infectious mononucleosis and characterized by fever, achiness, sore
throat and diarrhea, can also result.  Finally, it seems probable that the
AIDS virus can stimulate the disabling motor neuropathology known as
Guillan-Barre Syndrome, which results in diminished sensory perception,
impaired erection and ejaculation and other peripheral abnormalities.
     Now the presence of any of the above symptoms does not mean a person is
suffering from AIDS, as there are many other causes for these problems, but
they may result from the progress of the virus infection.  Only careful
testing can really tell the difference.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
