$Unique_ID{BRK00790} $Pretitle{} $Title{Doesn't AIDS Also Have Effects on the Nervous System?} $Subject{AIDS nerves viral infection Infections Nervous System immunological acquired immunodeficiency syndrome tumors encephalitis forgetfulness depression fatigue mental dullness headaches Spinal cord dysfunction Meningitis infectious mononucleosis fever achiness sore throat diarrhea Guillain-barre Syndrome impaired erection ejaculation peripheral abnormalities HIV Human Immune Deficiency Virus headache brain atrophy neurological} $Volume{A-1} $Log{ HIV--Human Immune Deficiency Virus*0001001.scf AIDS Weakens the Immune System*0001003.scf Symptoms of AIDS*0001008.scf} Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993 Tribune Media Services, Inc. Doesn't AIDS Also Have Effects on the Nervous System? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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? ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ 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 Guillain-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. ---------------- 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.