[Neuroborreliosis--a diagnosis easily overlooked]

Neuroborreliosis is the commonest complication of untreated erythema migrans. The case histories of two patients with well documented neuroborreliosis are presented. In these patients, the symptoms, which consisted only of pain, did not immediately raise the suspicion of a neuroinfection. Intravenous penicillin therapy proved curative. Examination of the cerebrospinal fluid for pleocytosis and Borrelia antibodies confirmed the diagnosis. In cases of suspected erythema migrans and subsequent neurological symptoms, lumbar puncture is recommended even in cases where the only symptom is pain.