NeuroHIV is a general term for nervous system problems that people living with HIV may experience. 

NeuroHIV can affect:

• The brain
• The spinal cord
• The nerves in your body

About half of people living with HIV experience some form of NeuroHIV. 

The most common types of NeuroHIV are:

• Neuropathy: This usually involves numbness, tingling, pain, or burning sensations in the feet or hands. This is because of nerve damage.
• HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorders (HAND): This involves problems with memory and thinking. This is because of HIV in the brain. 

Severe conditions like encephalitis and meningitis can also occur. 

• These involve inflammation or infection in the brain and spinal cord. 
• However, these conditions are rare, especially for those who are receiving regular HIV treatment. 

People with NeuroHIV may have any of the following:

• Forgetfulness, brain fog, difficulty concentrating, or headaches
• Depression, anxiety, loss of interest, or behavior changes
• Problems with movement, walking, or coordination
• Numbness, tingling, pain, or burning sensations

Not everyone with NeuroHIV will experience all of these symptoms.

Many different things can affect brain and nerve health in people living with HIV. These include: 

• The HIV virus: HIV can enter the brain and damage brain cells and nerves by releasing toxins. 
• Inflammation: If the body’s immune system has been fighting HIV for a long time, it causes inflammation that can negatively impact the nervous system. 
• Opportunistic infections: If an immune system is weakened by HIV infection, other infections have a greater impact on the body. 
• Aging
• Stress
• Alcohol and drug use
• Other health conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol.

HIV treatment: Take HIV medication as prescribed. 

• Having an undetectable viral load can decrease the risk of NeuroHIV. An undetectable viral load means that HIV is not actively replicating or making new copies of itself. 

Brain health: Brain health can be supported by:

• Eating well (such as the Mediterranean diet)
• Getting enough sleep
• Exercising regularly
• Staying mentally and socially active
• Managing stress
• Limiting alcohol, tobacco, and drug use
• Other health conditions: Manage diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and other health conditions. 

Talk to a health care provider about brain health testing and treatment. They may refer someone to:

• A neurologist: A doctor who can further assess and treat difficulties and prescribe medication. 
• A neuropsychologist: A doctor who can assess memory and thinking problems in detail and offer recommendations.
• A physical therapist (PT), occupational therapist (OT), or speech therapist to help manage difficulties in daily life. 
• If mental health support or resources are needed, consider talking to:
  • A mental health professional: Psychiatrists, psychologists, or therapists can help manage depression and other mental health concerns.
  • A social worker or case manager: These professionals can help connect someone with resources to manage NeuroHIV.