Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (AIDS-Related PML) Quiz
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I have a bad memory
Weak
Paralysis on one side
Keep saying incorrect words
Stuttering
My arm and leg on one side is harder to move than the other
My hands and feet are clumsy
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What is Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (AIDS-Related PML)?
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a serious neurological disorder caused by the destruction of cells that produce myelin (protective layer around nerves) in the white matter of the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). It is caused by the reactivation of the JC (John Cunningham) virus. Most adults have been exposed to this virus, and it usually doesn't cause any problems, but people with a weakened immune system are at higher risk for developing PML. PML is typically associated with patients who have HIV/AIDS, but it can also occur in patients without HIV who have a weakened immune system for other reasons.
Typical Symptoms of Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (AIDS-Related PML)
- Weakness or paralysis on one side of your body
- Difficulty speaking, performing tasks, or recognizing things
- Unable to speak, although I understand what people are saying
- Seizure
- History of HIV or AIDS
- Poor memory
- Stuttering / stammering
- Partial loss of vision
Diagnostic Questions for Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (AIDS-Related PML)
Your doctor may ask these questions to check for this disease:
- Do you have weakness or paralysis on one side of your body?
- Have you been experiencing difficulty speaking, performing tasks, or recognizing things?
- Can you understand others but struggle to express yourself clearly?
- Have you experienced any seizures?
- Have you ever been diagnosed with HIV or AIDS?
Treatment of Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (AIDS-Related PML)
Treatment for PML mainly involves strengthening the immune system. Medical conditions that weaken the immune system should be treated. For example, those with HIV/AIDS should be treated with antiretroviral therapy.
Reviewed By:
Caroline M. Doan, DO (Internal Medicine)
Dr. Doan received a Bachelor of Science degree with honors from UCLA. Prior to obtaining her medical degree, she was involved in oncology clinical research at City of Hope, a National Cancer Institute-designated comprehensive cancer center in southern California. She attended medical school at Touro University California, and completed her residency in Internal Medicine at Oregon Health & Science University. She is certified by the American Board of Internal Medicine and holds an active medical license in several states. She currently works as a physician for Signify Health providing home-based health care.
Shohei Harase, MD (Neurology)
Dr. Harase spent his junior and senior high school years in Finland and the U.S. After graduating from the University of Washington (Bachelor of Science, Molecular and Cellular Biology), he worked for Apple Japan Inc. before entering the University of the Ryukyus School of Medicine. He completed his residency at Okinawa Prefectural Chubu Hospital, where he received the Best Resident Award in 2016 and 2017. In 2021, he joined the Department of Cerebrovascular Medicine at the National Cerebral and Cardiovascular Center, specializing in hyperacute stroke.
Content updated on Feb 13, 2025
Following the Medical Content Editorial Policy
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Link to full study:
https://www.medrxiv.org/content/10.1101/2024.08.29.24312810v1References
Berger, J. R. (2011). The clinical features of PML. Cleveland Clinic Journal of Medicine.
https://scholar.archive.org/work/xkylp3zlofdmjggxjmo5ki4bye/access/wayback/http://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/f969/9a88195711886cefae4ef413c7e9f1c24771.pdfChang, C. Y. (2021). AIDS-related progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy in a patient presenting with cerebellar ataxia. Revista da Sociedade Brasileira de Medicina Tropical.
https://www.scielo.br/j/rsbmt/a/DGzLXZfy8r46kZv5TkHrRyL/?lang=enGubran, A., Dafaallah, M., & Howell, D. J. (2023). Delayed diagnosis of CNS lymphoma in a patient with HIV-associated PML. CHEST.
https://journal.chestnet.org/article/S0012-3692(23)02903-3/abstract