How Can PML Be Detected?
The first symptoms of PML are weakness or coordination problems in an arm or leg. There may be difficulty thinking or speaking. Vision and memory problems, seizures and headaches can occur. These symptoms can also occur with other opportunistic infections, including toxoplasmosis, lymphoma, inner ear infections, or cryptococcal meningitis. It is important to rule out these other diseases. PML can be diagnosed using a scan of the brain by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Another way to test for PML is by checking spinal fluid. The sample is taken by inserting a needle into the spinal canal. This procedure is called a spinal tap.
