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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.
Alternative NamesPML
Causes, incidence, and risk factorsThe JC virus (JCV) causes PML. By age 10, most people have been infected with this virus, but it hardly ever causes symptoms.
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
- Headaches
- Loss of coordination, clumsiness
- Loss of language ability (aphasia)
- Memory loss
- Vision problems
- Weakness of the legs and arms that gets worse
Tests may include:
- Brain biopsy (rare)
- Cerebrospinal fluid test for the JCV
- CT scan of the brain
- Electroencephalogram(EEG)
- MRI of the brain
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.
Expectations (prognosis)PML is a life-threatening condition. Talk to your doctor about care decisions.
ReferencesBoren EJ, Cheema GS, et al. The emergence of progressive multifocal leukoencephaloparhy (PML) in rheumatic diseases. J Autoimmun. 2008;30(1-2):90-98.
What else can I help you with?
What is progressive multifocal lukoencephalopathy?
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a rapidly progressive neuromuscular disease caused by opportunistic infection of brain cells
How many lesions on the brain occur with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy?
Several
How many brain lesions occur with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy?
There is no set amount of brain lesions that occur with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy. The amount can range from one to several and will vary depending on the amount of damage the virus which causes the disease has a chance to do.
Is there treatment for progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy?
There is no FDA approved treatment but some of the best neuro surgeons knows how to treat the disease using some of the existing medication such as mefloquine, interleukin-2 etc they try and you never know what will work for you.
Is Multifocal the same as progressive?
Yes, "multifocal" and "progressive" lenses are similar but not the same. Multifocal lenses have different sections for seeing at different distances, like bifocals or trifocals. Progressive lenses, a type of multifocal lens, smoothly transition between different focuses without any lines, giving you a more natural view.if you are looking for both and want a clarity visit Eye glassdirect they will guide you perfectly.
What causes many small foci of demyelination all over the brain in both hemisphere besided ms?
Small foci of demyelination in both hemispheres of the brain can be caused by conditions such as acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), neuromyelitis optica (NMO), leukodystrophies, and infections like progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). These conditions can present with similar patterns of demyelination to multiple sclerosis (MS) but have distinct underlying causes and clinical features. A detailed evaluation by a neurologist and additional tests such as MRI, lumbar puncture, and blood tests are typically needed to differentiate between these conditions.
What does mulitfocal mean?
This means that there are multiple areas of involvement of a lesion or disease. (As an example, multifocal leukoencephalopathy means that there are a number of areas in the brain which have white patches on them, causing a delirium or confusional syndrome.)
What is the most common rare illness?
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a neurological disorder characterized by destruction of the myelin, an oily substance that helps protect nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord, also known as central nervous system (CNS) white matter. PML occurs in approximately one in 200,000 people.
What does PMA mean in medicine?
In medicine, PMA stands for "Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy," which is a rare and serious brain infection caused by the John Cunningham virus (JCV). It primarily affects individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or those undergoing immunosuppressive therapies. PMA is characterized by the progressive degeneration of the white matter in the brain, leading to neurological symptoms like cognitive decline, motor dysfunction, and loss of coordination. Early diagnosis and management of underlying immunosuppression are crucial for improving outcomes.
What could demyelination be if it's not multiple sclerosis?
idiopathic inflammatory demyelinating diseases Vitamin B12 deficiency Central pontine myelinolysis Tabes Dorsalis transverse myelitis Devic's disease progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy Optic neuritis Leukodystrophies A demyelinating disease is any disease of the nervous system in which the myelin sheath of neurons is damaged. Demyelinating describes the effect of the disease, rather than its cause; some demyelinating diseases are caused by genetics, some by infectious agents, some by autoimmune reactions, and some by unknown factors.
What is poly pox?
Poly pox, or polyomavirus, refers to a group of small, non-enveloped viruses that can cause tumors in certain animal species, including mice and monkeys. In humans, the polyomavirus family includes strains like JC and BK viruses, which are typically harmless but can lead to serious health issues in immunocompromised individuals. JC virus is associated with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a rare but severe brain infection. The study of polyomaviruses is important for understanding viral oncogenesis and the impact of viral infections on human health.
What is the difference between bifocal and multifocal contact lenses?
The difference between bifocal and multifocal contact lenses is that biofocal contact lenses do not provide so many different angles as multifocal contact lenses do. Biofocal contact lenses do not allow the user to see as good as with multifocal contact lenses.
