: Suppression of plasma HIV RNA is most often attainable with effective antiretroviral therapy. Despite this, in some individuals, detection of HIV RNA remains evident in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) which is generally termed CSF HIV RNA escape. Defining CSF HIV RNA escape from a virological point of view, a symptomatology point of view and its management has many challenges with several different definitions being utilized. In this editorial, we outline proposed consensus definitions of CSF HIV RNA escape with consideration of virological, symptomatology and management aspects of this condition.