Oppositional behavior in children with Lyme disease
Several studies have found that children and adolescents infected with Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease, can, in some instances, develop extreme neuropsychiatric symptoms, including sudden, abrupt mood swings, aggressiveness, explosive anger, depression, panic disorder, neuropathy and even homicidality. [1]
Recommendations dismiss seriousness of Lyme disease in children
A recent journal article examining the prevalence of neuropsychiatric symptoms in children with Lyme disease raises several concerns regarding clinicians understanding of the illness in this particular population and their level of empathy. “Unraveling Diagnostic Uncertainty Surrounding Lyme Disease in Children with Neuropsychiatric Illness,” puts forth several recommendations that would appear to do more harm than good.
How concerned are people about tick bites and tick-borne diseases?
The authors of a recently published study, “Learning to live with ticks? The role of exposure and risk perceptions in protective behavior against tick-borne diseases,” analyze data from a national survey in Sweden to understand the level of concern among the general public about contracting Lyme borreliosis (LB) and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE).
Long-term problems for some Lyme neuroborreliosis patients
Long-term morbidity has been well documented for patients with Lyme disease, with numerous studies demonstrating poor treatment outcomes and higher than expected rates of disability. [1] Now, a study published by European researchers suggests things may not be as bad as they seem. [2]
6 reasons for delayed treatment of Lyme disease
The key to killing Lyme disease bacteria successfully depends, in part, upon identifying the disease early on. Unfortunately, in all too many cases, individuals harboring the infection are not diagnosed early, which can lead to a delay in treatment and an increased risk of long-term complications.
Lyme disease in children rising in Pennsylvania: an inside look
The number of children with Lyme disease has continued to climb steadily since the first cases were reported in 1977 in Connecticut. Since then, an ever increasing number of states have been added to the Lyme-endemic list, including Pennsylvania. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) puts Pennsylvania and New Jersey at the top of the list for having the most reported cases of Lyme disease in the country.
Impact of Lyme disease on working and caregiving
A newly published study, which examines the causes of delayed diagnosis or treatment of Lyme disease, also demonstrates the impact the disease can have on a patient’s ability to work and/or serve as caregivers for family members.
5 things to know about Lyme carditis
Although most people associate Lyme disease with fatigue, joint and muscle pain, fevers and other flu-like symptoms, the illness can also cause serious, debilitating and sometimes, life-threatening symptoms that impact the brain, the lungs and even the heart. The authors of a recent case series, describe "5 things to know about Lyme carditis" to help prevent unnecessary implantation of pacemakers.
Steroids harmful to patients with Bell’s palsy caused by Lyme disease
Studies have shown that a short-course of corticosteroids can be helpful in treating patients with idiopathic facial nerve palsy, also referred to as Bell’s palsy. But that is not necessarily the case when the facial palsy is caused by Lyme disease (LDFP). Now, a new case series explores the long-term consequences of corticosteroid use in patients with Lyme-induced facial palsy.
Turning a blind eye on Lyme disease
Medicine has made great strides in understanding diseases with lesions, such as cancer, heart disease, and strokes. But it has had a more difficult time understanding the many other syndromes, which lack any markers for organ lesions. Yet, these non-lesion diseases, like chronic fatigue syndrome or Lyme disease, are more prone to being misdiagnosed and leaving patients with debilitating symptoms.
