Peripheral neuropathies in Lyme borreliosis

• Published in: Polski merkuriusz lekarski Vol. 29; no. 170; p. 115
• Main Authors: Zajkowska, Joanna M, Kułakowska, Alina, Tarasiuk, Joanna, Pancewicz, Sławomir A, Drozdowski, Wiesław
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Polish
• Published: Poland 01-08-2010
• Subjects: Adult; Animals; Bites and Stings - complications; Female; Humans; Lyme Neuroborreliosis - complications; Lyme Neuroborreliosis - diagnosis; Male; Middle Aged; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases - complications; Peripheral Nervous System Diseases - diagnosis; Ticks
• ISSN: 1426-9686

Lyme borreliosis is a multisystem disease and when involves the nervous system it is termed neuroborreliosis. The symptomatology of peripheral neuroborreliosis is rich and varied. The early symptoms are asymmetric polyradiculopathies and paralysis of the cranial nerves (most commonly facial nerve). Thereafter, there are multifocal mononeuropathies and sensory-motorpolyneuropathies. Difficulties in making a correct diagnosis can result from the long time lag between tick bite and the occurrence of neurological symptoms. In the treatment the most important role play antibiotics.
We report the cases of three patients with symptoms of damage to various structures of the peripheral nervous system in the course of Borrelia burgdorferi infection. In all cases, clinical improvement was obtained after treatment with antibiotics, which further confirms the diagnosis of neuroborreliosis.
About neuroborreliosis as a cause of peripheral neuropathy we should always think in the case of vague symptoms of peripheral nervous system lesions in patients with potential exposure to tick bites. Peripheral neuropathies may occur a long interval from the tick bite and are not always preceded by other forms of the disease.