Lyme disease and its neurologic complications
M. F. Finkel
Department of Neurology, Midelfort Clinic Ltd, Eau Claire, Wis 54702-1510.
Lyme disease is recognized as a cause of illness involving multiple organ
systems. The transmission of the Borrelia burgdorferi spirochete depends on
a complicated vector life cycle, involving multiple mammalian and avian
hosts. Although the illness is reported worldwide, variable clinical
presentations on different continents raise questions about disease
mechanisms. Multiple neurologic syndromes can occur alone or in
combination, producing peripheral neuropathies, radiculopathies,
myelopathies, encephalitides, meningitides, and pain syndromes. These may
be noted with dermatological, rheumatological, and cardiological syndromes.
Several pathophysiologic mechanisms are reviewed. Antibiotic therapy for
different clinical presentations is discussed.
