This virus attacks selected cells of the immune, nervous, and other systems impairing their proper function. Neurological symptoms may be mild in the early stages of AIDS, but may become severe in the final stages.
Complications vary widely from one patient to another.
Cerebral toxoplasmosis, a common organism in AIDS patients, causes such symptoms as headache, confusion, lethargy, and low-grade fever. Other symptoms may include weakness, speech disturbance, ataxia, apraxia, seizures, and sensory loss. Some patients with PML may also develop compromised memory and cognition. There is no cure for AIDS but recently developed, experimental treatments appear very promising. Some symptoms and complications may improve with treatment.