NeuroAIDS and Neurovirology

Colin D. Hall directs the AIDS Neurological Center at UNC. The UNC AIDS Neurologic Center was formed in 1988 and has been very active in clinical research from that time with current funding from NINDS, NIMH and NIAID. Activities have included longitudinal evaluations of both adults and children with HIV infection. Emphasis has been on neurological, europsychological, psychological, clinical neurophysiological (EEG, EPs, EMG/NCV), neuroradiological (MRI/MRS) and immunological studies with viral burden. One ongoing study is into the effect of highly active antiretroviral medication on disease of the nervous system.

Another is a multicenter International study headed by Dr. Kevin Robertson, Director of Neuropsychology in the Department, evaluating the burden of HIV Neurological disease in Third World countries, with 12 clinic sites in Sub Saharan Africa, India, the Caribbean, Thailand, Brazil and Peru. A number of clinical drug trials have also been undertaken, evaluating treatment of AIDS dementia, peripheral neuropathy, and opportunistic infections of the nervous system.

The Center is part of the National Neurologic AIDS Research Consortium, a Program funded by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke to conduct multicenter AIDS clinical neurological research. In addition, the Center and its Faculty are actively involved in the UNC and the National AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG) funded by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, and has been instrumental in designing and participating in a number of ACTG protocols. The Center also has a busy consultation service for patients with HIV related Neurological diseases.