NEURO AIDS

                                          Neuroaids                                                             The neurological implications of the HIV infection caused by direct influence of the virus on the nervous system          

         Causes:   By HIV virus

 1. The atypical aseptic meningitis - It develops acutely during the acute febrile phase of HIV infection. The clinical picture is presented by general infections (temperature to 39 C, chills, intense headache, weakness,sopor, sometimes there are hallucinations) and meningeal syndromes (the stiff neck, hyperesthesia and kernig’s signs are possibles)

 Treatment: In absolute majority of cases the meningitis passes without treatment in 2-4weeks. The treatment is symptomatic


2. The HIV associated encephalopathy( the aids dementia)- It is the chronic encephalitis .the clinical picture of the encephalopathy includes the progressing depression of intelligence. First of all the memory and attention is affected, it becomes difficult to read and solve complex problems. When encephalopathy progresses, the motor disorders like tremor , ataxia may be present and disorder of behaviour like apathy, abulia join.

Pathological changes: The brain atrophy, expansion of the brain ventricles.

3.The peripheral HIV neuropathies - Include the distal sensory polyneuropathy and antiretroviral toxic neuropathy. In typical cases the symptoms are bilateral ;they begin gradually with the pain

,burning sensation and morbid numbness . They are the most express in the area of the soles. The Clinical implications of the distal sensory polyneuropathy and anti-retrovirus toxic neuropathy are similar and it’s difficult to differentiate them.

Treatment:anti- CMV therapy, correction of metabolic wastes.
                              
                                                                    By Dr. RAVI RANJAN