AIDS and the neurosurgeon.
AIDS is a fatal viral infection transmitted by body fluids, primarily blood, which is becoming more common in the U.K., and if the gloomiest predictions are true will affect millions in the next decade. Most, if not all, of these patients will at stage develop neurological manifestations: therefore the neurosurgeon will find it difficult to avoid close contact with the syndrome. As the presentation may mimic a number of neurological conditions, or patients with AIDS may suffer head injury, subarachnoid haemorrhage, or other common conditions, it is probably wise to assume all patients have AIDS and to modify operating technique and other procedures where blood may be spilt to minimise the risks of acquiring the infection.
Richards
P
P
Department of Neurosurgery, Charing Cross Hospital (Fulham), London, England.
D015526:AIDS Dementia Complex / Q000601:surgery*; D000163:Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000635:transmission*; D006801:Humans; D009493:Neurosurgery; D009894:Opportunistic Infections / Q000150:complications