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Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy Reviewed 05-29-2002 Get Web page suited for printing Email this to a friend or colleague Studies with patients Table of Contents (click to jump to sections) What is Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy?Is there any treatment? What is the prognosis? What research is being done? Organizations What is Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy? Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is an infrequent disorder of the nervous system that primarily affects individuals with suppressed immune systems (including, allograft recipients such as kidney transplant patients; patients with cancers such as leukemia or lymphoma; and nearly 10% of patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). The disorder, which is caused by a common human polyomavirus, JC virus, is characterized by demyelination or destruction of the myelin sheath that covers nerve cells. The myelin sheath is the fatty covering — which acts as an insulator — on nerve fibers in the brain. Symptoms of PML include mental deterioration, vision loss, speech disturbances, ataxia (inability to coordinate movements), paralysis, and, ultimately, coma reflecting the multifocal distribution of brain lesions. In rare cases, seizures may occur. Is there any treatment? What is the prognosis? What research is being done? National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
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