MODEL RELEASED. Facial neuropathy in AIDS. Neuropathy is damage to a nerve, which can have many effects depending on which nerve is affected. Here it has caused muscle spasm, leading to a twisted facial appearance. AIDS (acquired immune deficiency syndrome) is a contagious disease caused by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It causes progressive weakening of the immune system, making the patient susceptible to opportunistic infections, and making normally harmless diseases life threatening. This patient is from Africa, where lack of access to drugs and information make AIDS a major public health concern.