Question 1

What is HTLV-II-associated neurological disease?

Accepted Answer

HTLV-II-associated neurological disease is a rare condition that causes nerve damage, muscle weakness, coordination problems, and sensory disturbances. It is caused by infection with Human T-Cell Lymphotropic Virus Type II (HTLV-II), a retrovirus that attacks the nervous system. The Human T-Cell Lymphotropic Virus I, II Antibodies Test with Confirmation is the most important test for diagnosis because it detects antibodies against HTLV-II infection in the blood.

Question 2

What causes HTLV-II-associated neurological disease?

Accepted Answer

HTLV-II-associated neurological disease is caused by infection with Human T-Cell Lymphotropic Virus Type II (HTLV-II), a retrovirus that invades and damages the nervous system. This virus is transmitted through blood contact, sexual transmission, or from mother to child during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Once HTLV-II enters the body, it infects T-cells and can trigger inflammation in the brain and spinal cord, leading to progressive nerve damage that causes muscle weakness, coordination problems, and sensory disturbances.

Question 3

What is the best test for HTLV-II-associated neurological disease?

Accepted Answer

The Human T-Cell Lymphotropic Virus I, II Antibodies Test with Confirmation is the most important test for HTLV-II-associated neurological disease because it detects specific antibodies your immune system produces in response to HTLV-II infection. This comprehensive test includes both preliminary screening and confirmatory testing to distinguish between HTLV-I and HTLV-II infections, which is critical since they cause different symptoms. When combined with neurological symptoms like muscle weakness and coordination problems, a positive HTLV-II antibody result confirms the diagnosis and helps your doctor develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Question 4

When should I get tested for HTLV-II-associated neurological disease?

Accepted Answer

You should get tested if you experience unexplained muscle weakness, difficulty walking or maintaining balance, numbness or tingling in your legs or feet, or progressive coordination problems. Testing is especially important if you have risk factors like receiving blood transfusions before 1988 (when screening began), having shared needles, or being from an area where HTLV-II is more common. Early detection through blood testing allows you to start monitoring and treatment before nerve damage becomes severe.

Question 5

What are the symptoms of HTLV-II-associated neurological disease?

Accepted Answer

HTLV-II-associated neurological disease causes progressive muscle weakness, particularly in the legs, making walking increasingly difficult. You might experience coordination problems, difficulty with balance, stiffness in your legs, and numbness or tingling sensations in your feet and lower legs. Some people develop bladder control issues, sexual dysfunction, or back pain. These symptoms typically develop gradually over months or years as the virus causes ongoing damage to the nervous system.

Question 6

Who is at risk for HTLV-II-associated neurological disease?

Accepted Answer

People at higher risk include those who received blood transfusions or organ transplants before 1988, injection drug users who shared needles, individuals who had unprotected sex with an infected partner, and babies born to mothers with HTLV-II infection. The virus is more common among certain populations including Native American and indigenous communities in North and South America. Healthcare workers exposed to infected blood and people with multiple sexual partners also have increased risk of HTLV-II infection.

Question 7

What happens if HTLV-II-associated neurological disease is left untreated?

Accepted Answer

Untreated HTLV-II-associated neurological disease causes progressive and irreversible nerve damage that worsens over time. You may lose the ability to walk independently and require a wheelchair or other mobility aids. Bladder and bowel control problems can develop, leading to infections and complications. The muscle weakness and sensory loss become more severe, significantly impacting your quality of life and independence. While the progression varies, early diagnosis and monitoring help manage symptoms and slow the advancement of nerve damage.

Question 8

Can HTLV-II-associated neurological disease be diagnosed with a blood test?

Accepted Answer

Yes, HTLV-II-associated neurological disease is diagnosed primarily through blood tests that detect antibodies against the HTLV-II virus. The antibody test identifies whether you have been infected with HTLV-II by measuring your immune system response to the virus. A preliminary screening test detects the presence of antibodies, and then a confirmatory test distinguishes between HTLV-I and HTLV-II infections. When positive antibody results are combined with characteristic neurological symptoms, doctors can confidently diagnose HTLV-II-associated neurological disease.

Question 9

How is HTLV-II-associated neurological disease treated?

Accepted Answer

Treatment for HTLV-II-associated neurological disease focuses on managing symptoms and slowing disease progression since there is no cure for the viral infection. Your doctor may prescribe corticosteroids to reduce inflammation in the nervous system, antiviral medications in some cases, and medications to manage muscle spasticity and pain. Physical therapy helps maintain muscle strength and mobility, while occupational therapy assists with daily activities. Bladder management strategies and assistive devices may be needed as symptoms progress.

Question 10

How can I prevent HTLV-II-associated neurological disease?

Accepted Answer

You can prevent HTLV-II infection by practicing safe sex using condoms, never sharing needles or injection drug equipment, and screening blood products (now standard in the US since 1988). If you are pregnant and test positive for HTLV-II, avoid breastfeeding to prevent transmission to your baby. Healthcare workers should follow universal precautions when handling blood and body fluids. Getting tested if you have risk factors allows early detection before neurological symptoms develop, enabling prompt monitoring and intervention.

Question 11

What can I do at home for HTLV-II-associated neurological disease?

Accepted Answer

At home, maintain an active lifestyle with regular gentle exercise like swimming or water aerobics to preserve muscle strength without overexertion. Use assistive devices like canes or walkers to prevent falls and maintain independence. Apply heat therapy to relieve muscle stiffness and pain. Stay well-hydrated and maintain a nutritious diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods to support overall health. Join support groups to connect with others facing similar challenges, and practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation or yoga to support your nervous system and mental well-being.

Question 12

How’s this work?

Accepted Answer

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short:
            
                In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
                If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
                Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
                If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
                When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
                Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
                You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!
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Question 13

How do I know which test to get?

Accepted Answer

In the test options, find the test you want.
            If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option.
            Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

Question 14

When will my lab results be available?

Accepted Answer

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know.
            After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop!
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Question 15

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you.
            Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at
            support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update.
            Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you.
            There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out.
            Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Question 16

Do you accept health insurance?

Accepted Answer

Only HSA & FSA is accepted.
            Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts.
            This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare.
            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Question 17

Can I cancel my order?

Accepted Answer

Yes.
            We get it – sometimes your needs change.
            As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order.
            If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.
            You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

Question 18

How can I find a lab location near me?

Accepted Answer

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached!
            You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp).
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            If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

HTLV-II Neurological Disease Blood Test

What is HTLV-II-associated neurological disease?

What causes HTLV-II-associated neurological disease?

What is the best test for HTLV-II-associated neurological disease?

When should I get tested for HTLV-II-associated neurological disease?

References

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