Because there are several AIDS-related diseases that can cause symptoms similar to those of ADC, it is often necessary to conduct different tests to determine the actual causes of the symptoms. Toxoplasmosis, lymphoma, and PML have many of the same symptoms as ADC.
The most common tests are:
A mental status exam: This includes game-like tests to check memory and concentration abilities.
X-rays, CT scans, and MRI: All of these are painless and provide doctors with images of the brain and spinal column. Different diseases cause different types of damage to the brain and/or spinal column. Examining these images can help doctors determine what is going on.
A spinal tap: A needle is inserted into the spinal column to drain a small amount of cerebrospinal fluid – the liquid that surrounds the brain and spinal column. A laboratory can examine this fluid to look for organisms that might be causing symptoms, including HIV.
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