 | | | | Medical Health Encyclopedia | |
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy
| | | |
| |
| |
| Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy |
|
Definition:
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, arms. Text Continues Below
Other signs may include loss of language capability (aphasia), visual field defects, and headaches. The greatest risk is being immunosuppressed. The causal virus, 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% of adult individuals with AIDS. Alternative Names:
PML
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org).
The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. Copyright 2004 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. | |
|
.gif)
