MULTIPROFESSIONAL ASSISTANCE TO HIV-IMMUNOSUPPRESSED PATIENTS WITH NEUROLOGICAL SYNDROME AND BELL'S PALSY: AN EXPERIENCE REPORT

Abstract

Introduction: Bell's palsy results in the inability to control facial muscles on the affected side and can occur in HIV-infected patients at any stage. Objective: To report the experience of multidisciplinary care for an immunosuppressed HIV patient with neurological syndrome who developed Bell's palsy. Methodology: This is a retrospective, descriptive study with a quantitative approach. Experience study: With a recent diagnosis of HIV, serological status with undetectable viral load and CD4+ cells 595. Using antiretroviral drugs and symptomatic. Presents with progressive asymmetric and peripheral facial paralysis. As the treatment of Bell's palsy required frequent and direct intervention by physicians, physiotherapists and speech therapists, within a few days the patient reported considerable improvement because the paralysis of the face, drooping eyelid and corner of the mouth, difficulty in making some facial expressions, closing the eye or smiling and difficulty in controlling saliva had already decreased considerably. He was discharged due to improvement of the condition. Conclusion: The intervention of the multidisciplinary team can improve the psychomotor development of these patients through rehabilitation and assertive behaviors.