Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi (B. burgdorferi). Humans contract Lyme disease from the bite of an infected tick. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports 28,921 confirmed and 6,277 probable cases of Lyme disease occurred in the U.S. in 2008. A minority of people with Lyme disease have brain and spinal cord involvement. The brain and spinal cord comprise the central nervous system or CNS. CNS symptoms of Lyme disease vary from person to person and most often occur in the latter stages of the illness.
Headache
Headache is a common symptom of Lyme disease with CNS involvement. B. burgdorferi bacteria can infect the protective tissues covering the brain and spinal cord, causing meningitis. Severe headache is a hallmark symptom of meningitis. Alternatively, Lyme disease bacteria can directly infect the brain, causing a condition called encephalitis. Headache is a common symptom of encephalitis. The headache associated with Lyme disease meningitis and encephalitis is typically severe and unrelieved by over-the-counter pain medicines.
Stiff Neck
Stiff neck is a characteristic symptom of Lyme disease meningitis. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke states meningitis typically develops during the second stage of Lyme disease, known as the disseminated infection stage. During this stage of the illness, the bacteria enter the bloodstream and spread throughout the body, sometimes infecting the central nervous system.
Nausea and Vomiting
Meningitis and encephalitis associated with Lyme disease may cause nausea and vomiting. These symptoms typically occur during the second stage of the illness.
Light Sensitivity
Lyme disease-associated meningitis or encephalitis can cause light sensitivity. People with these Lyme disease complications are disturbed by and avoid bright light.
Irritability and Agitation
Irritability and agitation may be symptoms of Lyme disease meningitis or encephalitis. Extreme moodiness often accompanies these symptoms.
Thinking Disturbances
CNS involvement with Lyme disease often disturbs normal thinking processes. Possible symptoms include confusion, poor concentration and impaired memory. Memory problems may also be a symptom of the third stage of Lyme disease, known as the persistent infection stage. This stage of Lyme disease occurs several weeks to months after the illness presents and usually develops only in people who do not receive early treatment for the infection.
Sleep Problems
Infection of the CNS with B. burgdorferi bacteria can interfere with normal sleep patterns. Persistent drowsiness and increased sleeping are the most common manifestations of this problem. Sleep disturbances are a frequent complaint among people who develop persistent Lyme disease infection.
Impaired Consciousness
Lyme disease meningitis and encephalitis may cause decreased consciousness. Mental dullness and generalized disinterest are common manifestations of CNS involvement with Lyme disease.
References
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Lyme Disease Symptoms
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, MMWR: Surveillance for Lyme Disease, United States, 1992-2006
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Reported Cases of Lyme Disease by Year, United States, 1994-2008
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Neurological Complications of Lyme Disease
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Lyme Disease and Related Tick-Borne Infections, Symptoms
