Abstract

Background and Objective: The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection significantly impacts the neurological system, which is a key region of the body impacted by the virus. Even though individuals infected with HIV get adequate antiretroviral medication (ART), they nevertheless experience neurological problems. To clarify the many neurological symptoms observed in patients with HIV infection. Method: A total of 80 HIV seropositive patients, both male and female, aged over 18 years, who were attending the ART centre, medicine OPD, or admitted in the medicine ward with neurological symptoms included in the study. The study focused on evaluating clinical parameters and laboratory investigations. Result: The study included a cohort of 80 individuals who were admitted with HIV infection. Among them, 34 patients (42%) exhibited neurological symptoms. The age group most commonly afflicted was 31 to 40 years, with 35.4% of cases falling within this range. Males were more impacted than females, accounting for 51.6% of male patients and 35.3% of female patients.. The most prevalent neurological complaint in 20 patients (50%) was headache, followed by altered sensorium in 13 patients (46%) and focal neurological deficiency in 11 patients (33.09%). Conclusion: In this particular context, we observed a significant occurrence of neurological symptoms in individuals who tested positive for HIV (44%). Tubercular meningitis was the predominant secondary infection observed in individuals with HIV, with Cryptococcal meningitis being the subsequent most frequent. Neurological problems in HIV patients should be met with a strong suspicion for neurological manifestations, as the majority of these opportunistic infections can be effectively treated.

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