Progressive multifocal leukencephalopathy, or PML is a rare inflammatory disorder that leads to loss of myelin in multiple areas within the white matter of the brain. It is a virus-induced disease seen in people with poor immune function (immunocompromised).
Symptoms and signs include loss of coordination, clumsiness, memory loss, progressively worsening weakness of the legs, and to a lesser extent, the arms.
Other signs may include loss of language capability, visual field defects, and headaches. The greatest risk is being immunosuppressed.
The causal virus, or JC virus, is a common resident in most adults, but it triggers loss of myelin in those whose immune function is deficient. It occurs in 4 percent of adult individuals with AIDS.
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Last updated: 05-12-2005 19:21:32
Last updated: 05-13-2005 07:56:04