Recognising HIV-Related Neuropathy

Today's short post from livestrong,com (see link below) is a somewhat simplistic view of how neuropathy can be related to HIV but nevertheless gives you a good idea of how, why and what. There are relatively few easily readable articles available on why the HIV virus can cause neuropathy, possibly because it's one of the newer areas of study amongst neurologists and HIV specialists. For many years the only link between the two was the knowledge that certain older antiretroviral drugs could bring on nerve damage but now it is accepted that the virus itself can play a major role. The fact that there are over 100 other possible causes, has always clouded the picture.
 

 

Early Symptoms of HIV-Related Neuropathy Sep 14, 2010 | By Jacques Courseault, M.D
 
 


HIV-related neuropathy is a chronic inflammatory polyneuropathy, which describes damage to nerves in the central nervous system or to nerves outside of the central nervous system. The term "polyneuropathy" means that several nerves are involved over the entire body, according to MedlinePlus. This form of neuropathy occurs because the body's immune system overreacts and damages the body's nerves. A patient with HIV neuropathy should be aware of certain early symptoms of this condition.

Numbness and Tingling

According MayoClinic.com, HIV neuropathy can cause numbness and tingling. This occurs because the immune system attacks the nerves, damaging them. The early symptoms that a patient usually experiences are numbness and tingling that may be felt in the fingers and toes, later progressing into the arms and legs. A patient with a known history of HIV who is experiencing a new onset numbness and tingling should immediately schedule an appointment with his physician for treatment.

Weakness

MedlinePlus states that an early symptom of HIV neuropathy is weakness which usually occurs in the arms and hands, or legs and feet. As HIV progresses, the immune system may cause further damage early in the course of the disease. Increasing nerve damage can cause weakness in the extremities, which may make it difficult to perform activities of daily living. In this case, the patient should not hesitate to seek immediate medical treatment so that the proper therapy can be started to prevent further worsening of weakness associated with HIV neuropathy.
 
Pain

Pain is a common early symptom associated with HIV neuropathy, states MedlinePlus. Pain occurs because the body's response to HIV can result in secondary nerve damage which causes pain in the fingers, toes, arms or legs. Pain may be described as burning, achy or tingling. In this case, medications may be prescribed to help a patient cope with the pain. Controlling the underlying progression of HIV will slow the onset of further complications from HIV neuropathy.

References
MedlinePlus: Chronic Inflammatory Polyneuropathy
Mayo Clinic: Peripheral Neuropathy


http://www.livestrong.com/article/244301-early-symptoms-of-hiv-related-neuropathy/