BELLING THE CAT: UNILATERAL RECURRENT BELL’S PALSY AS ANINITIAL PRESENTATION OF HIV, A CASE REPORT

Abstract

Background: Facial nerve paralysis occurs more frequently in individuals with HIV than in the general population. The recurrence pattern of Bell’s palsy plays a key role in its classification. Although facial palsy is a known neurological manifestation of HIV, recurrent unilateral Bell’s palsy as an initial presentation is exceedingly rare.

Case Report: We describe the case of a 35-year-old patient who presented with recurrent unilateral Bell’s palsy, ultimately leading to a diagnosis of HIV. The absence of other risk factors and the recurrence pattern prompted further investigation, culminating in serological confirmation.

Conclusion: This case underscores the importance of considering HIV in the differential diagnosis of Bell’s palsy, particularly in recurrent cases. Clinicians should be vigilant in screening for HIV when evaluating facial nerve paralysis. Future research should assess HIV as a potential risk factor for recurrence, and the role of imaging should be further clarified, given that Bell’s palsy remains a diagnosis of exclusion.