The neurologic manifestations of primary HIV infection.

The peripheral and central nervous systems are commonly affected in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Primary infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) can cause an acute encephalitis, meningitis, or an acute polyneuropathy. Spinal cord involvement can result in a progressive spastic paraparesis. Many patients develop dementia which can be severely debilitating. Sensory neuropathies can also occur late in the course.