Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (patient information)

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 * Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief: Varun Kumar, M.B.B.S.

Overview
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a rare disorder that damages the material (myelin) that covers and protects nerves in the white matter of the brain.

What are the symptoms of Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy?

 * Headaches
 * Loss of coordination, clumsiness
 * Loss of language ability (aphasia)
 * Memory loss
 * Vision problems
 * Weakness of the legs and arms that gets worse

What causes Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy?
The JC virus (JCV) causes PML. By age 10, most people have been infected with this virus, but it hardly ever causes symptoms.

Who is at highest risk?
Anyone with a weakened immune system, however, are at greater risk of developing PML. Causes of a weakened immune system include:


 * AIDS (less common now because of better AIDS treatments)
 * Certain medications used to treat multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and related conditions
 * Leukemia and lymphoma

When to seek urgent medical care?
When you experience above mentioned symptoms, consult your doctor immediately.

Diagnosis
Tests may include:


 * Brain biopsy (rare)
 * Cerebrospinal fluid test for the JCV
 * CT scan of the brain
 * Electroencephalogram (EEG)
 * MRI of the brain

Treatment options
In people with AIDS, treatment to strengthen the immune system can lead to recovery from the symptoms of PML. No other treatments have proved effective for PML.

Where to find medical care for Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy?
Directions to Hospitals Treating Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy

What to expect (Outlook/Prognosis)?
PML is a life-threatening condition. Talk to your doctor about care decisions.