Criteria of the AAN AIDS Task Force for HIV-1 Associated Myelopathy

The American Academy of Neurology (AAN) AIDS Task Force developed criteria for a number of HIV-related myelopathy

 

Criteria - all 3 of the following:

(1) acquired abnormality of neurologic function which is greater in the lower extremity relative to upper involvement

(1a) clinical signs and symptoms may include lower extremity weakness, incoordination, difficulty walking and/or urinary incontinence

(1b) confirmation by neurologic examination (paraparesis, spasticity, hyperreflexia, and/or positive Babinski sign)

(2) requires constant support when walking

(3) exclusion of HIV-related dementia complex

Mobility Aid	Grade of Myelopathy
unilateral support (cane, etc.)	mild
bilateral (walker. 2 canes, etc)	moderate
requires wheelchair or bedridden	severe

 

Diagnosis based on presence of an alternative diagnosis (other than HIV) that can explain the findings. An alternative explanation may include multiple sclerosis, tumor, or spinal cord compression.

 

Alternative Explanation	Diagnosis
none/absent	probable
present	possible
uncertain	possible