Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a rare disease that typically affects patients with compromised immune systems. The cause is the JC virus which infects more than 90 percent of the adult population worldwide and is reactivated when the host suffers from decreased immune function to cause symptoms, according to the book, "Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases." It is seen in patients in end stage AIDS as well as those suffering from leukemia.
Weakness
Limb weakness (also referred to as paresis) is one of the cardinal manifestations of PML. The weakness can affect limbs on one side of the body or individual limbs separately.
Altered Mental Status
Patients suffering from PML can suffer from disruptions in mental activity. This can include stupor, irritability, somnolence and even coma. The patient can also suffer from decreased cognition and might not recognize familiar people and/or objects or understand what is happening around them.
Visual Symptoms
The visual system is also prominently affected by PML. A variety of symptoms such as double vision (known as diplopia), loss of half of the field of vision (known as hemianopsia), and trouble moving the eye can be seen. In addition, problems with constricting and dilating the pupils can be present, affecting the quality of near and far vision.
Sensory Problems
Disruptions in the sensory system are also possible with PML. Examples include numbness, tingling, and burning sensations felt by the patient in the absence of appropriate stimulus.
Problems With Coordination
Coordination problems (also known as ataxia) are some of the most common manifestations of PML, occurring in about 20 percent of the patients, according to an August 2008 article in "Neurologic Clinics." These include problems with limb coordination, and can affect central parts of the body such as the trunk.
References
- "Neurologic Clinics;" Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy; Weber, T. Volume 26, August 2008
- "Neurology in Clinical Practice, 5th Edition;" Bradley; 2008
- "Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases, 7th Edition;" Mandell; 2009
