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Published on: August 31, 2013
Neuropsychiatric Symptoms and Tick-Borne Diseases
Shannon L Delaney1, Lilly A Murray2, Brian A Fallon2
1Lyme and Tick-Borne Diseases Research Center at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA. sld2158@cumc.columbia.edu.
Abstract:
In North America, Lyme disease (LD) is primarily caused by the spirochetal bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, transmitted to humans by Ixodes species tick bites, at an estimated rate of 476,000 patients diagnosed per year. Acute LD often manifests with flu-like symptoms and an expanding rash known as erythema migrans (EM) and less often with neurologic, neuropsychiatric, arthritic, or cardiac features. Most acute cases of Lyme disease are effectively treated with antibiotics, but 10-20% of individuals may experience recurrent or persistent symptoms. This chapter focuses on the neuropsychiatric aspects of Lyme disease, as these are less widely recognized by physicians and often overlooked. Broader education about the potential complexity, severity, and diverse manifestations of tick-borne diseases is needed.
Insights
Lyme disease (LD), caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, affects nearly 500,000 North Americans annually. This summary highlights its often-overlooked neuropsychiatric symptoms, emphasizing the need for broader physician education.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Neuroscience
- Public Health
Background:
- Lyme disease (LD) is a prevalent tick-borne illness in North America, primarily caused by Borrelia burgdorferi.
- Annual diagnosis estimates reach 476,000, with common symptoms including erythema migrans and flu-like illness.
- While most acute cases respond to antibiotics, 10-20% may develop persistent or recurrent symptoms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the underrecognized neuropsychiatric manifestations of Lyme disease.
- To underscore the importance of educating physicians on the diverse and complex nature of LD.
- To advocate for increased awareness of tick-borne disease complexity.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on neuropsychiatric aspects of Lyme disease.
- Analysis of reported clinical presentations and physician recognition challenges.
- Synthesis of information to emphasize educational needs.
Main Results:
- Neuropsychiatric symptoms are a less recognized but significant aspect of Lyme disease.
- Delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis can occur due to the subtlety or atypicality of these symptoms.
- A gap exists in physician awareness regarding the full spectrum of LD manifestations.
Conclusions:
- Neuropsychiatric Lyme disease requires greater clinical attention and recognition.
- Enhanced medical education is crucial for timely diagnosis and management.
- Comprehensive understanding of tick-borne diseases is essential for public health.
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