The neurological features of acute HIV infection

Abstract

This paper describes the few case reports of neurological effects of acute (primary) HIV infection. Following a typical primary illness (fever, sore throat, headache, rash, lymphadenopathy, superficial oral ulcers, conjunctivitis, leukopenia and thrombocytopenia) aseptic meningitis, myelopathy, spinal myoclonus, peripheral or cranial neuropathy, neuralgia and ganglioneuronitis may occur, usually within 3 weeks. Encephalopathy with spontaneous recovery also occurs, usually without other features of acute HIV infection. Diagnosis depends on demonstration of seroconversion which may be delayed by weeks. No therapy is yet available.