[Neurological disorders associated with HIV infection]

Abstract

Neurological diseases occur frequently in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). There are three main groups of central nervous system (CNS) dysfunction: (1) direct effects of HIV; (2) opportunistic infections; (3) opportunistic neoplasms. On the basis of clinical characteristics it is possible to differentiate focal and diffuse pathologic alterations of CNS. The starting point of evaluation of CNS dysfunction is computed tomography (CT). If the focal lesions are not present on CT scan, it is necessary to carry out cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination.