Effects of AIDS on Nervous System- How can AIDS affect my brain and nervous system?
If you have been diagnosed with AIDS, you need to know about the effects that AIDS can have on your nervous system. There are two parts to the nervous system: the central nervous system and the peripheral nervous system.
The central nervous system is your brain and spinal cord. The peripheral nervous system is all the nerves that go out to your body parts and return signals to your brain and spinal cord. AIDS can damage both parts of your nervous system.
The virus that causes AIDS does not directly invade the cells of your nervous system. However, it does cause swelling and inflammation and can lead to conditions that directly affect the nervous system. This can damage your brain and spinal cord, as well as the nerves running to and from your brain and spinal cord. Other possible sources of nervous system damage include:
- Medicines you take to fight AIDS.
- Infections and cancers that are more common in people who have AIDS.
What are the signs or symptoms?
Signs and symptoms of damage to your nervous system depend on the cause and location of the damage. Damage to your peripheral nervous system is called peripheral neuropathy. Signs and symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include:
- Pain.
- Numbness.
- Increased sensation.
- Burning or tingling.
- Weakness.
Signs and symptoms of central nervous system damage from AIDS include:
- Changes in behavior.
- Loss of memory.
- Inability to think clearly or quickly (cognitive dysfunction).
- Clumsiness and loss of balance.
- Anxiety or depression.
- Loss of vision or speech.
- Headache.
- Dizziness.
- Nausea and vomiting.
- Sudden or gradual weakness.
What is the treatment for neurological problems of AIDS?
There is no one single treatment for neurological problems. Treatment depends on the type of problem and its cause. Treatment may include:
- Medicines:
- High doses of AIDS medicines (antiretroviral therapy) may help reduce many neurological problems.
- Strong anti-inflammatory medicines (corticosteroids).
- Pain medicine, including over-the-counter and prescription-strength medicines.
- Mental health medicines may include antidepressants, stimulants, and sedatives.
- Medicines that fight cognitive dysfunction (antidementia medicines).
- Therapy:
- Talk therapy with a mental health professional.
- Physical therapy to treat weakness and balance problems.
It is also important to:
- Take medicines only as directed by your health care provider.
- Tell your health care provider if you develop changes in your thinking, behavior, or movement.
- Keep all follow-up visits as directed by your health care provider. This is important.
