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It is caused by the fungus Cryptococcus neoformans, which is commonly found in dirt and bird droppings. Prognosis is poor due to advanced and increasing immunodeficiency, but is better with successful HIV therapy.Ĭryptococcal meningitis is seen in about 10 percent of untreated individuals with AIDS and in other persons whose immune systems have been severely suppressed by disease or drugs. Individuals may develop one or more CNS lymphomas. Symptoms include headache, seizures, vision problems, dizziness, speech disturbance, paralysis, and mental deterioration. CNS lymphomas are almost always associated with the Epstein-Barr virus (a common human virus in the herpes family). Neuropsychologic testing can reveal subtle deficits even in the absence of symptoms.Ĭentral nervous system (CNS) lymphomas are cancerous tumors that either begin in the brain or result from a cancer that has spread from another site in the body. Milder cognitive complaints are common and are termed HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND). It is rare when anti-retroviral therapy is used. Persons with ADC also show progressive slowing of motor function and loss of dexterity and coordination. Symptoms include encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), behavioral changes, and a gradual decline in cognitive function, including trouble with concentration, memory, and attention.

Other neuro-AIDS disorders of unknown origin may be influenced by but are not caused directly by the virus.ĪIDS dementia complex (ADC), or HIV-associated dementia (HAD), occurs primarily in persons with more advanced HIV infection. Top What are some of the neurological complications that are associated with HIV infection?ĪIDS-related disorders of the nervous system may be caused directly by the HIV virus, by certain cancers and opportunistic infections (illnesses caused by bacteria, fungi, and other viruses that would not otherwise affect people with healthy immune systems), or by toxic effects of the drugs used to treat symptoms. Antiretroviral drugs can also become toxic after long-term use and cause neurological side effects. This is because many drugs used to combat HIV cannot cross the protective layer called the blood-brain barrier and enter the brain, and even those that can may not completely control the virus in the brain. Top Can neurological complications develop in individuals treated with antiretroviral therapy (ART)?Įven when HIV is well controlled with ART, many infected individuals still develop HIV-associated neurological and cognitive difficulties. These symptoms may be mild in the early stages of AIDS but can become increasingly severe.

problems with bladder control or sexual function.

Other nervous system complications that can occur as a result of HIV infection or the drugs used to treat it include: Research has shown that HIV infection can cause shrinking of brain structures involved in learning and information processing.

movement problems (loss of movement control) including a lack of coordination and difficulty walking.ĭamage to the peripheral nerves can cause progressive weakness and loss of sensation in the arms and legs.

mood disorders (anxiety disorder and depression).

HIV also triggers inflammation that may damage the brain and spinal cord (central nervous system) and cause symptoms such as: HIV does not directly invade nerve cells (neurons) but puts their function at risk by infecting cells called glia that support and protect neurons. Top How do HIV/AIDS affect the nervous system? However, even individuals who receive this treatment can develop less severe neurological and cognitive difficulties. Many of the most severe neurological conditions can be prevented with antiretroviral therapy. A person infected with HIV is diagnosed with AIDS when he or she has a dangerously low number of CD4+ T cells as well as one or more “opportunistic” infections, such as some types of pneumonia or tuberculosis, that do not typically affect people with healthy immune systems.Īlthough HIV infection and AIDS primarily affect the immune system, they also disturb the nervous system and can lead to a wide range of severe neurological disorders, particularly if HIV goes untreated and progresses to AIDS. The resulting shortage of these cells leaves people infected with HIV vulnerable to other infections and diseases, and additional complications.ĪIDS is the final stage of HIV infection. HIV attacks the immune system by destroying specific white blood cells called CD4 positive (CD4+) T cells that are vital to fighting off infection. HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is the virus that causes AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome).

What are some of the neurological complications that are associated with HIV infection?

How do HIV/AIDS affect the nervous system?Ĭan neurological complications develop in individuals treated with antiretroviral therapy (ART)?