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[Peripheral facial paralysis and HIV infection]
S Piluso1, G Ficarra, D Gaglioti
1Istituto di Odonto-Gnato-Stomatologia, Università di Firenze.
Minerva Stomatologica
|July 1, 1991
Summary
Peripheral facial paralysis can occur in individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This condition may be linked to HIV-related encephalitis or have an unknown cause in patients with advanced HIV/AIDS.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Peripheral facial paralysis is a neurological condition affecting facial muscles.
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection can present with various neurological complications.
- Intravenous drug abuse is a risk factor for HIV transmission.
Observation:
- Two young intravenous drug abusers with HIV presented with peripheral facial paralysis and headache.
- One patient had AIDS-related complex (ARC), the other met CDC criteria for Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
- One patient exhibited progressive motor slowing.
Findings:
- Brain CT in one patient revealed a left temporal-anterior hypodense lesion and basal ganglia involvement, suggesting HIV-related encephalitis.
- Facial nerve impairment in this patient was associated with encephalitis.
- The second patient had no cerebral lesions on CT, and the cause of facial paralysis remained undetermined.
Implications:
- Facial paralysis can be an early neurological manifestation of HIV infection, even in young individuals.
- Neuroimaging is crucial for identifying underlying causes like HIV-related encephalitis.
- Further research is needed to understand the etiology of facial paralysis in HIV-infected individuals without clear cerebral lesions.