Catastrophic minor head trauma.
The neurologic and neuropsychologic sequelae of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) have received an increasing amount of attention recently. A variety of neurologic disorders are now associated with AIDS or AIDS-Related Complex (ARC). To date, however, there have been no detailed accounts of the behavioral sequelae or course of illness of AIDS/ARC victims who have suffered brain trauma. This paper describes the case of a 39 year old male patient who tested positive for the retrovirus now associated with AIDS/ARC (Human T-Lymphatropic Virus Type III or "HTLV-III") and suffered a closed head injury as a consequence of a physical assault. His course was rapid and his symptomatology more profound than would be expected on the basis of his injury alone. The assault is regarded as a second, catalytic injury and is presumed to derive its pronounced effect from the ongoing neurologic disorder resulting from or associated with the HTLV-III virus. The possible role of head injury in the exacerbation of diffuse and subclinical cortical dysfunction is discussed. Relevant contributions from sports medicine literature and Alzheimer's Disease research are reviewed.
Community Reentry Services of Cortland--New Medico Head Injury System, USA.
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Naugle