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Locked-in state in Borrelia burgdorferi meningitis
Journal of Neurology
|July 1, 1989
Abstract:
The case is reported of a 28-year-old woman with persistent tetraplegia following acute meningitis due to Borrelia burgdorferi infection. The patient developed erythema chronicum migrans before radicular pain occurred in the upper extremities. The poor clinical outcome was suggestive of pontine infarction due to vasculitis of branches of the basilar artery.
Insights
This case study details a young woman with persistent tetraplegia after Lyme disease meningitis. Vasculitis affecting the basilar artery likely caused pontine infarction, leading to severe neurological deficits.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Lyme disease, caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, can present with neurological complications.
- Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
Observation:
- A 28-year-old woman developed persistent tetraplegia after acute meningitis.
- She initially presented with erythema chronicum migrans, followed by radicular pain.
- The patient's condition worsened, indicating a severe neurological event.
Findings:
- The clinical outcome suggested pontine infarction.
- This infarction was attributed to vasculitis affecting branches of the basilar artery.
- The vasculitis was a complication of Borrelia burgdorferi meningitis.
Implications:
- This case highlights a rare but severe neurological complication of Lyme disease.
- It underscores the importance of recognizing vasculitis as a potential cause of infarction in neuroborreliosis.
- Early diagnosis and treatment of Borrelia burgdorferi infection are crucial to prevent devastating outcomes.