The distal symmetric polyneuropathy (DSP) in AIDS patients is often associated with CMV infection, Mycobacterium avium intracellulare infection, or may be due to lymphomatous invasion of the nerve or lymphomatous meningitis.

CSF pleocytosis and elevated protein. Palsies are painless or associated with diffuse headache. Sensory palsies are common, resulting in deafness and blindness