|  | Conditions Treatments | HIV AIDS

AIDS Neuropathy Treatment

One of the more painful conditions that is associated with AIDS is AIDS-related neuropathy. This condition can be difficult to treat, and may have one or several underlying causes.

  1. AIDS-Related Neuropathy

    • Neuropathy affects up to 1/3 of all AIDS patients and results in significant pain as nerves lose their protective coatings. Neuropathy can be caused by the HIV virus, opportunistic infections, vitamin deficiency or alcohol abuse.

    Antiretroviral Medicines and Neuropathy

    • Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, a class of antiretroviral medication used to treat AIDS, often causes peripheral neuropathy as a side effect. Other medicines such as Dapsone and Thalidomide, which may be used to treat AIDS-related problems, may also cause neuropathy.

    Symptoms of Neuropathy

    • Symptoms of AIDS-related neuropathy may include a tingling numbness in the hands and feet. As neuropathy increases in severity, this numbness may be replaced with an aching or burning sensation.

    Primary Treatment

    • In order to treat AIDS-related neuropathy, the underlying cause must be treated. This can involve reducing viral loads, treating opportunistic infections, changing HIV medications or reducing alcohol consumption.

    Pain Relief

    • Pain associated with AIDS-related neuropathy can end up being severe. Gabapentin, also known as Neurontin, is usually given to treat the pain associated with neuropathy.

HIV AIDS - Related Articles