Review Article

HCV-Related Nervous System Disorders

Table 1

HCV-associated CNS and neuromuscular syndromes.

DisordersClinical Features

Neurological
 Stroke, TIA, lacunar syndromes Focal signs
 Acute encephalopathic forms Confusion, altered consciousness, incontinence
 Leukoencephalopathy Multifocal signs and symptoms, cognitive dysfunction, tetraparesis, aphasia
 Encephalomyelitis Motor, sensory and sphincter deficits, seizures
 Myelitis Sensory ataxia, spastic paraplegia
Cognitive/Neuropsychiatric
 Fatigue Sensation of physical and mental exhaustion
 Psychiatric disorders Depression, anxiety
 Cognitive dysfunction Alterations in verbal recall, working memory, sustained attention, concentration,
 learning skills
Peripheral Neuropathies
 Sensorimotor axonal polyneuropathies Sensory loss, distal weakness
 Large fibres sensory neuropathies Reduced touch and proprioception sensations, sensory ataxia
 Small fibres sensory neuropathies Burning feet, pain, restless legs syndrome
 Motor axonal polyneuropathies Distal weakness
 Mononeuropathies Deep aching pain, truncular deficits
 Mononeuropathy multiplex Stocking-glove asymmetric neuropathy
 Demyelinating forms Sensory loss, distal weakness, areflexia
Myopathies
 Noninflammatory Progressive proximal/generalized weakness, atrophy
 Inflammatory Progressive symmetrical proximal weakness, atrophy, dysphagia, interstitial lung disease