Resistant Tremors and Unexplained Weight Loss Could Also Be a Sign of HIV

Abstract

This case study is done to show a different type of presentation of a HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) patient. Neurological symptoms in HIV are normally due to Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML) which is a reactivated infection caused by John Cunningham virus (JC virus). The disease causes fatal demyelination of the central nervous system (CNS). This case presented a 51-year-old Nigerian man who complained of resistant tremors and unexplained weight loss. The patient was suspected to have HIV when a MRI scan revealed T2/FLAIR hyper intensity of white matter which was a sign of PML. HIV ELISA was done and came back with a positive result. PML presenting in the form of tremors is very rare and more research is required to focus on the neurological presentation of HIV.