Practical Advice For Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy Risk Patients Article

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Practical advice for Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy risk patients

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy is a rare progressive illness of the nervous system. It is caused by a viral infection due to the JC virus, which affects the white matter of the brain. The disease develops rapidly and the damages are irreversible, often leading to death.

Author: Cumurciuc Andrea

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How does it evolve? Who is at risk?
PML is caused by the JC virus, an infection that most people get it in childhood. The virus remains inactive in the kidney and it produces no illness, unless the host person has a suppressed immune system. If the virus activates it enters the blood stream, travels towards the brain and start destroying the myelin, a substance that covers nerve cells allowing them to send signals to the rest of the body. As the communication between the central nervous system and the rest of the body is disturbed, patients will notice the first signs of organ failure.
Fortunately the number of patients at risk of developing PML is relatively low. Only individuals dealing with one of the following diseases are at risk:

• AIDS
• Leukemia
• Organ transplant
• Cancer
• Tuberculosis
• Multiple sclerosis

PML symptoms and diagnosis
In the first stage of the disease symptoms are mild and they can easily the confused with signs of other medical conditions. However symptoms worsen rapidly, sending clear signals of a very serious disease. The most common signs include:

• Weakness
• Headaches
• Vision problems
• Loss of coordination
• Loss of language ability
• Memory loss
• Behavior changes
• Cognitive changes
• Seizure

Diagnosing the disease in time is essential. That can be done through different physical exams, like MRI, which will offer a picture inside the brain, blood and urine test, brain biopsy and the examination of the spinal fluid.

An early diagnose is practically the only chance a patient has to survive the disease. So if you are in a risk group and you notice any suspicious signs you should consult your doctor immediately.

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For more information about progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy pml symptoms and treatment possibilities please contact your doctor.

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Practical advice for Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy risk patients