Traumatic Spinal Cord Injury Complicated by AIDS Related Complex

It is estimated that one to two million people in the US have antibodies to the human T-lymphotropic virus Type III/lymphadenopathy-associated virus (HTLV-III/LAV) and are consequently at risk for developing acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). As the number of carriers of this infection increases, so does the expected incidence of this population for acquiring disabilities that require rehabilitative services. We report a traumatic spinal cord injured patient with resultant quadriplegia who has HTLV-III/LAV infection. Presented are the difficulties in classifying the manifestations of the HTLV-III/LAV infection in such a patient. Many of the symptoms of AIDS may be attributed to complications of recently acquired quadriplegia. This is added to the psychologic and social strains on a patient who has already lost permanent function due to quadriplegia. Implementation of educational programs to meet staff, family, and patient needs regarding their concerns and questions significantly reduced anxiety on the rehabilitation unit. Because the possible life expectancy can still be quite long, AIDS patients warrant rehabilitation programs. This necessitates that health care professionals in rehabilitation become familiar with AIDS, as they are likely to be involved in the care of patients with AIDS in the future.