HIV Polyneuropathy

HIV polyneuropathy has become increasingly common as a neurological disorder associated with AIDS over the recent years. Patients frequently experience paresthesias, pain, numbness, and dysesthesias. Direct and indirect neurotoxicity associated with the HIV virus may lead to painful neuropathy. There are six main types of HIV-associated polyneuropathies: distal symmetrical neuropathy, inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, progressive polyradiculopathy, mononeuropathy multilplex, autonomic neuropathy and diffuse infiltrative lymphocytosis syndrome. This chapter discusses all six types, including their assessment, diagnosis, pathophysiology, and treatment.