Lyme Meningitis: Signs, Remedies, and Healing Process
Lyme meningitis is a serious complication of Lyme disease, a bacterial illness caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. Approximately 15% of individuals with Lyme disease have nervous system involvement, but only 6% of cases turn into meningitis [2][3][5].
Symptoms of Lyme Meningitis
The symptoms of Lyme meningitis can be severe and may include a severe headache, neck stiffness, fever, sensitivity to light, possibly facial palsy, and nerve pain. In some cases, individuals may experience early symptoms such as numbness, pain, weakness, visual disturbances, and meningitis symptoms [2][3][5].
Diagnosis
Diagnosing Lyme meningitis can be challenging, as blood testing for neurologic Lyme disease is only 70-90% sensitive. However, doctors typically use antibody blood tests to detect antibodies against the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria, timed appropriately. Clinical evaluation of symptoms is also crucial, as doctors may consider rash, fever, and neurological signs [5].
Treatment
Early treatment is essential for preventing serious complications, so it is vital not to delay seeking medical care if symptoms of Lyme meningitis develop. The treatment for Lyme meningitis typically consists of oral or IV antibiotics, such as doxycycline or ceftriaxone, for a course of 14-21 days. If diagnosed with Lyme meningitis, antibiotics are continued longer, often intravenously, depending on the severity of neurological involvement [2][5].
Prevention
Prevention is key when it comes to Lyme meningitis. Ticks are tiny insects that feed on blood and can transfer the bacterium to humans when they bite. To prevent tick bites, it's important to wear protective clothing, use insect repellent, and check your body and clothing for ticks after spending time outdoors [5].
Post-Treatment and Long-Term Effects
Post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome can cause lingering symptoms, including fatigue, pain, joint and muscle aches, and cognitive difficulties (often referred to as "brain fog"). Approximately 10% of people who get Lyme disease experience symptoms for 6 months or more following treatment [2][3][5].
People who do not receive early treatment for Lyme meningitis may experience long-term effects, such as permanent nervous system damage. It is essential to finish the prescribed course of antibiotics, unless a doctor says otherwise [2][3][5].
Early Detection and Seeking Medical Care
If a person thinks they or someone else might have Lyme meningitis, they should dial 911 immediately and tell the operator about any recent tick bites. Clinical outcomes for Lyme meningitis are generally better in children than in adults. In children, Lyme meningitis diagnosis may be unlikely if the headache has lasted less than 7 days, the cerebrospinal fluid has less than 70% mononuclear cells, or there is an absence of Bell's palsy or another cranial nerve palsy [2][3][5].
Lyme meningitis is a form of Lyme neuroborreliosis, which includes four inflammatory conditions: cranial neuritis, radiculopathy, peripheral neuropathy, and meningitis. Brain changes can be measured via medical imaging in individuals with Lyme meningitis. Thrombocytopenia, or low platelet levels, and leukopenia, or a low white blood cell count, can also be observed in individuals with Lyme meningitis [2][3][5].
In adults, the symptoms of Lyme meningitis may also include nerve pain and paresis. In children, facial nerve palsy, a loss of appetite, fatigue, and mood changes may occur [2][3][5]. Lyme meningitis occurs when the B. burgdorferi bacteria invade the central nervous system, causing inflammation of the meninges [2][3][5].
References:
[1] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Lyme Disease. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/ [2] Infectious Diseases Society of America. (2021). Clinical Practice Guidelines by the Infectious Diseases Society of America for the Diagnosis and Treatment of Lyme Disease, Human. Retrieved from https://www.idsociety.org/practice-guidelines/lyme-disease/ [3] European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. (2019). Lyme borreliosis. Retrieved from https://ecdc.europa.eu/en/disease-factsheet/lyme-borreliosis [4] National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (2020). Lyme Disease. Retrieved from https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/All-Disorders/Lyme-Disease-Information-Page [5] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Lyme Disease. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lyme-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20351556
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