What is it? Neuro-infectious diseases are conditions caused by bacterial or viral infections that affect the nervous system.
These conditions include, but are not limited to, infectious diseases such as bacterial meningitis, herpes encephalitis, HIV/AIDS, lyme disease, neurocyterocerosis, toxoplasmosis, tropical spastic parparesis, viral encephalitis and Whipple’s disease.
For more information on the neurological effects of various diseases, see the
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Web site.
What are the symptoms? Neuro-infectious diseases can cause neurological damage with symptoms characterized by the infections conditions.
How is it diagnosed? Infectious diseases are diagnosed by a physician however a neurological evaluation, conducted by a neurologist, is used to diagnose the impact of infectious diseases on the nervous system.
How is it treated? In the case of many infectious diseases, there is no cure. The treatment may only address the symptoms for conditions, such as HIV/AIDS. Clinical research trials are continually being conducted to find a cure for many of these conditions.
Sources:
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Mayo Clinic--
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke