Is neuroborreliosis a medical emergency?
Although Lyme disease affects the nervous system in many ways (collectively known as neuroborreliosis), only rarely does it present as a medical emergency. In extreme cases, it may cause (1) encephalitis, (2) a rapidly progressive peripheral neuropathy, or (3) a painful truncal radiculopathy that may be confused with a severe visceral process. Knowing when to consider this spirochetosis in the differential diagnosis requires an understanding of its true clinical spectrum, and of an appropriate diagnostic and therapeutic approach.
Halperin
John J
JJ
NYU School of Medicine, Great Neck, NY, USA. Halperin@LINeuro.com
D000006:Abdomen, Acute / Q000382:microbiology; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015748:Borrelia burgdorferi Group; D016638:Critical Illness; D004679:Encephalomyelitis / Q000382:microbiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D020852:Lyme Neuroborreliosis / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010523:Peripheral Nervous System Diseases / Q000382:microbiology; D012133:Respiratory Paralysis / Q000382:microbiology