The Effect Of Aids On The Nervous System

AIDS is primarily an immune system disorder but it can also affect the nervous system and lead to serious neurological problems. AIDS develops in the most advanced stages of the HIV infection. In some cases, it could take up to ten years for AIDS to develop after being infected with HIV. You may not feel any effects after you have been infected with the HIV virus. You may feel achy, feel feverish, and just feel bad, but it often is blamed on the common cold or the flu.

Although AIDS does not invade the nerve cells it can jeopardize the nerve cells health and performance. Inflammation can occur in the brain and the spinal cord. This can cause behavioral changes, forgetfulness, weakness, and severe headaches. It can also cause confusion and loss of sensation in the extremities. Researchers have proved that AIDS or HIV infection can make a difference in how the brain processes information and learns new things.

Other severe neurological problems that can affect an AIDS patient is seizures, shingles, lack of coordination, and difficulty in walking. Other serious complications include depression, anxiety, fever, and the virus destroys vision and the loss of brain tissue. The patient may fall into a coma. These symptoms will get progressively worse as the disease develops. Neurological complications affect over 40 percent of AIDS patients. They can develop no matter what the age of the patient, but affects children faster than adults. Children may have a loss of previously known skills, confusion, and delays in development and may other serious problems. They may experience bacterial infections more often than normal, have a slower growth rate, and have recurring eye problems.

What causes these neurological problems and complications in AIDS patients? The HIV virus causes many, some cancers and other infections that would not normally affect healthy individuals cause others. Sometimes it is the drugs that are given to treat AIDS that causes serious neurological problems. Opportunistic infections cause by bacteria, fungi and other simple viruses can cause trouble with concentration, memory, and problems with attention span. The HIV virus may indirectly cause other neurological problems.

ADC, or AIDS dementia complex usually occurs in patients with the advanced form of HIV infection. The symptoms of ADC include inflammation of the brain or encephalitis. This can cause a severe decline in brain function including lack of concentration, memory problems, and a slow loss of motor function. Also affected is coordination and the ability to move freely. If this neurological problem is left untreated, it is often fatal.

Neurological problems make it more urgent that you receive treatment for the HIV infection as soon as possible. If you know you are at risk, you have unprotected sex with someone who is infected, or you have used drug paraphernalia that is not sterile, it’s important you have regular screening for the HIV virus. Early detection will help you get the treatment you need and possibly prevent you from developing these and other serious neurological problems.

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• A Silver Lining In The Cloud Of Aids
• About The World Health Organization’s Aids Staging
• Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome: Just The Basic Facts Please
• Adult Aid Patients And Their Immunization Needs
• Advanced Signs Of The Hiv Or Aids Virus
• Aids And Families
• Aids And The Exercise Connection
• Aids Statistics
• Aids: You Have It, Now What?
• Common Misconceptions About Aids
• Dietary Considerations And The Hiv Virus
• Explaining The Five Classes Of Antiretroviral Drugs For Aids Patients
• Frequently Asked Questions About Aids
• Initial Signs And Symptoms Of Hiv And Aids
• Juicing Information And Possible Benefits To A Person With Hiv
• Just How Effective Are Condoms As Protection Against Aids Transmission?
• Keeping Yourself Safe From Aids
• Know Your Aids Risk Factors
• Living With Aids
• Malnutrition As It Relates To An Hiv Infected Person
• More Health Concerns For Aids Patients
• Msm And The Impact Of Aids
• Notable Aids Dates
• Opportunistic Infections Which Attack Aids Patients
• Preventive Measures Concerning Hiv.
• Recent Advancements In The Fight Against Aids
• Separating Fact From Myth Regarding Aids Transmission
• Spirituality And Prayer Used As Treatment For Aids
• Telling Others That You Are Hiv Positive
• Testing For The Hiv And Aids Virus
• Testing Positive For The Hiv Virus: What Does It Mean?
• The Aids Medical Appointment And How To Prepare For It
• The Effect Of Aids On The Nervous System
• The Fear The Aids Stigma Brings To The Need For Disclosure
• The Progression Of The Hiv Virus
• The Scoop On Hiv Transmission
• Treating Serious Illnesses In An Aids Patient
• Treatment And Treatment Guidelines For Aids Patients
• Treatment For The Hiv Positive Woman
• Understanding Aids Policy In The United States
• Understanding The Basics Of Aids
• Vitamins And Minerals That Are Important For A Person With Hiv
• Ways Hiv And Aids Cannot Be Transmitted
• What Treatment Is Available For Patients With Hiv Or Aids?
• Why You Need To Let Everyone Know That You Are Hiv Positive