Warning Signs Of Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a type of demyelination, is a disease caused by the JC virus that occurs when the body is unable to fight against disease the way it normally should. This disease attacks the brain and causes damage to the white matter in the brain. White matter is comprised of the specialized cells responsible for making the myelin that covers the nerves. When myelin is not covering the nerves, several things can occur because the nerves cannot send signals properly. Individuals who have a weakened immune system are more susceptible to developing PML. For example, individuals who are on immunosuppressants for an organ transplant, are infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), or are being treated for cancer with chemotherapy, are all at an increased risk for this disease. Most often, magnetic resonance imaging and brain biopsies are used to diagnose PML.Get to know the symptoms of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy now.

Drooping In The Face

Drooping in the face is characterized by an asymmetrical face with the loss of muscle control and or feeling on one side. This happens because either the nerves in the face have been damaged and cannot communicate with the brain, or because the nerves in the part of the brain that sends signals to the nerves in the face have been damaged. When speaking about progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, lesions in the brain occur because of the demyelination of the nerves in the part of the brain that sends signals to the nerves in the face. Without proper myelin sheath, the nerves in this part of the brain cannot correctly transmit signals to tell the nerves in the face to move the muscles. The signals may be sent, however, they will be disrupted and confused, resulting in the loss of ability to move muscles in one or both sides of the face. This can also be referred to as facial paralysis or partial facial paralysis. Facial drooping in PML patients can happen on either side or both sides of the face and may or may not be accompanied by loss of sensation. The skin above the paralyzed muscle will relax in tandem with the muscle, which gives the face a droopy appearance in the affected area.

Learn more about the warning signs of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy now.