BACKGROUND: This study describes the pattern of idiopathic infranuclear facial palsy (facial neuropathy) and highlights the role of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/AIDS in its occurrence and management. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study conducted in Ile-Ife, Nigeria, assessed individuals with idiopathic facial neuropathy seen at the neurology; maxillofacial surgery; and ear, nose and throat outpatient clinics between 1994 and 2006. RESULTS: Eighty-eight patients with idiopathic facial neuropathy were seen during the 13-year study period. Forty-six (52.3%) were males, and the age range was 15 to 76 years, with a median of 35.5 years and interquartile range of 24.5 to 54 years. The right side was affected in 59.1%, compared with 40.9% on the left side. Twenty-six patients (29.5%) were HIV positive at presentation: 16 males, 10 females; mean age for HIV-positive patients was 29.15 +/- 8.12 years and 44.39 +/- 18.48 years for HIV-negative patients. There was a significant relationship among the status of the patients and the severity at presentation (p = .035), treatment given (p = .019), and the occurrence of flu-like symptoms (p = .004). CONCLUSION: A high index of suspicion of seroconversion is essential in patients presenting with idiopathic facial neuropathy since it has implications for management. Serological testing for HIV, especially in patients at risk and those with history of recent flu-like symptoms, is recommended.
BACKGROUND: This study describes the pattern of idiopathic infranuclear facial palsy (facial neuropathy) and highlights the role of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/AIDS in its occurrence and management. PATIENTS AND METHODS: This study conducted in Ile-Ife, Nigeria, assessed individuals with idiopathic facial neuropathy seen at the neurology; maxillofacial surgery; and ear, nose and throat outpatient clinics between 1994 and 2006. RESULTS: Eighty-eight patients with idiopathic facial neuropathy were seen during the 13-year study period. Forty-six (52.3%) were males, and the age range was 15 to 76 years, with a median of 35.5 years and interquartile range of 24.5 to 54 years. The right side was affected in 59.1%, compared with 40.9% on the left side. Twenty-six patients (29.5%) were HIV positive at presentation: 16 males, 10 females; mean age for HIV-positivepatients was 29.15 +/- 8.12 years and 44.39 +/- 18.48 years for HIV-negative patients. There was a significant relationship among the status of the patients and the severity at presentation (p = .035), treatment given (p = .019), and the occurrence of flu-like symptoms (p = .004). CONCLUSION: A high index of suspicion of seroconversion is essential in patients presenting with idiopathic facial neuropathy since it has implications for management. Serological testing for HIV, especially in patients at risk and those with history of recent flu-like symptoms, is recommended.
Authors: Astros Th Skuladottir; Gyda Bjornsdottir; Gudmar Thorleifsson; G Bragi Walters; Muhammad Sulaman Nawaz; Kristjan Helgi Swerford Moore; Pall I Olason; Thorgeir E Thorgeirsson; Brynja Sigurpalsdottir; Gardar Sveinbjornsson; Hannes P Eggertsson; Sigurdur H Magnusson; Asmundur Oddsson; Anna Bjornsdottir; Arnor Vikingsson; Olafur A Sveinsson; Maria G Hrafnsdottir; Gudrun R Sigurdardottir; Bjarni V Halldorsson; Thomas Folkmann Hansen; Helene Paarup; Christian Erikstrup; Kaspar Nielsen; Mads Klokker; Mie Topholm Bruun; Erik Sorensen; Karina Banasik; Kristoffer S Burgdorf; Ole Birger Pedersen; Henrik Ullum; Ingileif Jonsdottir; Hreinn Stefansson; Kari Stefansson Journal: Sci Rep Date: 2021-02-18 Impact factor: 4.379
Authors: William P Howlett; Sarah J Urasa; Venance P Maro; Richard W Walker; Kajiru G Kilonzo; Patrick J Howlett; Marieke Cj Dekker Journal: Afr Health Sci Date: 2022-03 Impact factor: 1.108
Authors: Dali Magazi; Benjamin Longombenza; Siyazi Mda; Kees Van der Meyden; Marcus Motshwane; Mirabel Nanjoh; Olakunle Towobola Journal: BMC Neurol Date: 2020-10-21 Impact factor: 2.474