Hemichorea-Hemiballismus as a Presentation of Cerebritis from Intracranial Toxoplasmosis and Tuberculosis

BACKGROUND: There is limited literature documenting hemichorea-hemiballism (HCHB) resulting from co-infection of toxoplasmosis and tuberculosis (TB) in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Toxoplasmic abscess is the most common cause while TB is a rare etiology. CASE DESCRIPTION: We describe a 24-year-old male with AIDS-related HCHB as the presentation of cerebritis on the right subthalamic nucleus and cerebral peduncle from intracranial toxoplasma and TB co-infection. Antimicrobials and symptomatic therapy were given. Marked improvement was seen on follow-up. DISCUSSION: HCHB may be the initial presentation of intracranial involvement of this co-infection in the setting of AIDS and is potentially reversible with timely management. HIGHLIGHTS: Hemichorea-hemiballismus (HCHB) may be an initial presentation of intracranial involvement of concomitant toxoplasmosis and tuberculosis causing focal cerebritis in the contralateral subthalamic nucleus and cerebral peduncle, particularly in the setting of human immunodeficiency virus infection. Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-related HCHB is potentially reversible with timely diagnosis and treatment.