Neurological Complications of HIV

1. Neurological Complications of HIV HIV/AIDS and Neurological Conditions HIV or human immunodeficiency virus causes the infection that progresses to AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). It weakens the immune system and slowly destroys most of the CD4 cells (cells that fight infections) in the body. As the virus starts to influence your body’s functioning, it poses a significant impact on the central nervous system of an individual. In simple words, multiple neurological complications are experienced by HIV-infected patients as the virus progresses to the second and third stages. Moreover, antiretroviral medications play a significant role in managing such conditions and decreasing the pace of disease progression. Common Symptoms of Neurological Conditions Neurological complications are often not seen until the virus starts to spread in different parts of the body. However, AIDS is characterized by a couple of such conditions. Some of the common symptoms of neurological conditions associated with HIV infection are as follows.  Anxiety  Depression  Difficulty in swallowing  Change in your vision  Coordination problem  Being confused  Feeling tremors

2. Seizures Migraine Headache    Common Neurological Complications Neurological complications that are common in patients with HIV infection are as follows. Dementia It is a condition associated with the loss of language, memory, and thinking abilities like problem-solving or others. The most probable cause of this condition is Alzheimer's disease. Dementia can give rise to symptoms including limited thinking ability, altered social skills, forgetfulness, and others. The disease can be treated using rehabilitation therapies or medications that can enhance cognition. Neuropathy Dysfunction or damage to one or more nerves can cause numbness or pain in the hands and feet. Such a condition is known as peripheral neuropathy. The symptoms experienced by most patients include a tingling sensation in any part of the body and unusual weakness. Commonly, it is seen in patients with high sugar levels. Furthermore, it can be treated using antidepressants and anti-seizure drugs. Vacuolar myelopathy It is one of the most common neurological conditions associated with AIDS. Vacuolar myelopathy is characterized by symptoms like sensory abnormalities in the legs, weakness, gait disorder, urinary urgency, and impotence in men. Physical therapy may be prescribed to manage this disease in most cases since no permanent cure is known. Viral infections Some of the common diseases caused by acute viral infections include aseptic meningitis, encephalitis, encephalomyelitis, and flaccid paralysis among others. The symptoms of such conditions comprise fever, drowsiness, unconsciousness, depression, convulsions, and confusion. Moreover, such infections can be managed using prescription-based antiviral drugs. Neurosyphilis It is a type of bacterial infection that affects the brain and spinal cord. Neurosyphilis is a sexually transmitted disease that can spread through anal, oral, or vaginal sex with an already infected individual. The common symptoms of this condition are headache, seizures, stiff neck, depression, irritability, numbness, loss of bladder control, and poor concentration. This disease is treatable using medications. If you are suffering from HIV/AIDS and experience any of these or other conditions, contact your doctor right away for appropriate medical support. Source: http://writeus.me/neurological-complications-of-hiv/