HIV infection, seasonality and younger age predicting incident Bell's palsy among black South Africans.

Background: Although South Africa (SA) is facing a high prevalence of HIV infection, there is no literature from this region on a link between Bell's palsy and HIV. The aim of this study was to identify the occurrence of Bell's palsy in relation to demographics, seasons and HIV status among black South Africans.

Methods: This retrospective cohort was conducted among adult black patients, without Bell's palsy in 2003, presenting to the neurology outpatients department at Dr.

Medical doctors' awareness of radiation exposure in diagnostic radiology investigations in a South African academic institution.

Background: Diagnostic investigations using radiation have become a critical feature of medical practice in recent times. However, the possibility of doctors' underestimation of risks of over-exposure of patients to diagnostic radiation still warrants further evaluation.

Objectives: To investigate doctors' awareness of diagnostic radiation exposure at Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital, South Africa.