1. Bilateral Cranial Nerve VI Palsies in Cryptococcal Meningitis, HIV, and Syphilis: A Case Report
- Author
-
Rival, Germaine, Okorji, Onyi, Kern, Rachael, Patel, Preya, Fradeneck, Kate, and Cullen, Darragh
- Subjects
bilateral cranial nerve VI palsies ,cryptococcal meningitis ,HIV/AIDS ,syphilis ,case report - Abstract
Introduction: Cranial nerve (CN) VI palsy is a common complaint seen in the emergency department (ED) and has a wide range of causes. Bilateral CN VI palsies are uncommon and appear to be associated with more severe complications.Case Report: A 29-year-old male presented to the ED from an ophthalmology office for diplopia, headache, and strabismus. He was found to have bilateral CN VI palsies and new-onset seizure in the ED. A lumbar puncture revealed cryptococcal meningitis. Additional tests revealed a new diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), and syphilis.Conclusion: Cryptococcal meningitis remains a life-threatening complication of HIV/AIDS. Coinfections with HIV, particularly syphilis, further complicate a patient’s prognosis as both can lead to devastating neurological sequelae. In cryptococcal meningitis, elevated intracranial pressure is a complication that can manifest as seizures, altered mental status, and cranial nerve palsies.
- Published
- 2021