
|
 |
|
Last Updated: Aug 6th, 2008 - 09:50:39 |
NINDS Neurological Complications of AIDS Information Page
AIDS is primarily an immune system disorder caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), but it can also affect the nervous system. HIV does not appear to directly invade nerve cells but it jeopardizes their health and function, causing symptoms such as confusion, forgetfulness, behavioral changes, severe headaches, progressive weakness, loss of sensation in the arms and legs, stroke, cognitive motor impairment, or damage to the peripheral nerves.
Neurological Complications of AIDS Fact Sheet
AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) is a condition that occurs in the most advanced stages of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. It may take many years for AIDS to develop following the initial HIV infection.
What is the difference between HIV and AIDS?
When HIV enters your body, it infects your "CD4 cells" and kills them. CD4 cells sometimes called T-helper cells) help your body fight off infection and disease. Usually, CD4 cell counts in someone with a healthy immune system range from 500 to 1800.
When you lose CD4 cells, your immune system breaks down and you canĄ¯t fight infections and diseases as well. When your CD4 cell count goes under 200, doctors say you have AIDS. Doctors also say you have AIDS if you have HIV and certain diseases, such as tuberculosis or Pneumocystis carinii [NEW-mo-SIS-tis CA-RIN-nee-eye] pneumonia (PCP), even if your CD4 cell count is over 200.
What can I expect when I go to the doctor?
At your first appointment your doctor will ask you questions, do a checkup, draw blood, and do a tuberculosis skin test and other tests. Your doctor also may give you some immunizations (shots). Tell your doctor about any health problems you are having so that you can get treatment. You also should ask your doctor any questions you have about HIV or AIDS, such as what to do if your medicine makes you sick, where to get help in quitting smoking or drug use, or how to eat healthy foods.
When your doctor draws blood, it is used for many tests, including the CD4 cell count and "viral load testing." Viral load testing measures the amount of HIV in your blood. Viral load tests help predict what will happen next with your HIV infection if you donĄ¯t get treatment. They are used with CD4 cell counts to decide when to start and when to change your drug therapies.
Keep your follow-up appointments with your doctor. At follow-up appointments you and your doctor will talk about your test results, and he or she may prescribe medicine for you.
What is HIV and how did I get it?
The first cases of AIDS were identified in the United States in 1981, but it most likely existed here and in other parts of the world for many years before that. In 1984 scientists proved that HIV causes AIDS.
Depression and HIV/AIDS
Research has enabled many men and women, and young people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the virus that causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), to lead fuller, more productive lives. As with other serious illnesses such as cancer, heart disease or stroke, however, HIV often can be accompanied by depression, an illness that can affect mind, mood, body, and behavior. Treatment for depression helps people manage both diseases, thus enhancing survival and quality of life.
Testing HIV Positive ¨C Do I Have AIDS?
A positive HIV test result means that you are infected with HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). Being infected with HIV does not mean that you have AIDS right now. However, if left untreated, HIV infection damages a personĄ¯s immune system and can progress to AIDS.
HIV Infection and AIDS: An Overview
AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) was first reported in the United States in 1981 and has since become a major worldwide epidemic. AIDS is caused by HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). By killing or damaging cells of the body's immune system, HIV progressively destroys the body's ability to fight infections and certain cancers. People diagnosed with AIDS may get life-threatening diseases called opportunistic infections, which are caused by microbes such as viruses or bacteria that usually do not make healthy people sick.
HIV Infection in Infants and Children
The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) has a lead role in research devoted to children infected with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), the virus that causes AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome). NIAID-supported researchers are developing and refining treatments to prolong the survival and improve the quality of life of HIV-infected infants and children through the Pediatric AIDS Clinical Trials Group (PACTG).
HIV Infection in Women
The number of women with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection and AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) has increased steadily worldwide. By the end of 2005, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), 17.5 million women worldwide were infected with HIV.
HIV Infection in Adolescents and Young Adults in the U.S.
There is a rising concern about the effects of HIV/AIDS among adolescents and young adults between ages of 13 to 24 in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported 40,049 cumulative cases of AIDS among people ages 13 to 24 through 2004. Since the epidemic began, an estimated 10,129 adolescents and young adults with AIDS have died and the proportion diagnosed with AIDS has also increased. Likewise, the proportion of adolescents and young adults with an AIDS diagnosis has increased from 3.9 percent in 1999 to 4.2 percent in 2004.
HIV/AIDS and the Flu
HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) is the virus that causes AIDS (Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome). HIV kills or damages cells in the bodys immune system, gradually destroying the bodys ability to fight infection and certain cancers. An estimated 850,000 to 950,000 people are infected with HIV in the United States.
Tuberculosis: The Connection between TB and HIV (the AIDS virus)
People infected with HIV (the virus that causes AIDS) are more likely than uninfected people to get sick with other infections and diseases. Tuberculosis (TB) is one of these diseases.
Alcohol and HIV/AIDS
People with alcohol use disorders are more likely than the general population to contract HIV (human immunodeficiency virus).1 Similarly, people with HIV are more likely to abuse alcohol at some time during their lives (1).
LIVING WITH HIV/AIDS
HIV is the virus that causes AIDS. The first cases of AIDS were identified in the United States in 1981, but the virus probably existed here and in other parts of the world for many years before that. In 1984, scientists proved that HIV causes AIDS.
|
|
|