Warning Signs Of Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy
Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a type of demyelination, is a disease caused by the JC virus that occurs when the body is unable to fight against disease the way it normally should. This disease attacks the brain and causes damage to the white matter in the brain. White matter is comprised of the specialized cells responsible for making the myelin that covers the nerves. When myelin is not covering the nerves, several things can occur because the nerves cannot send signals properly. Individuals who have a weakened immune system are more susceptible to developing PML. For example, individuals who are on immunosuppressants for an organ transplant, are infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), or are being treated for cancer with chemotherapy, are all at an increased risk for this disease. Most often, magnetic resonance imaging and brain biopsies are used to diagnose PML.Get to know the symptoms of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy now.