A recently published study by Sowula and colleagues provides further evidence that Lyme disease can trigger vertigo and hearing loss. In their article “Vertigo as one of the symptoms of Lyme disease,” the authors examine the frequency of vertigo symptoms and potential labyrinth damage in patients with diagnosed Lyme disease.
The study included 38 patients (ages 20 to 77) with Lyme disease, who were hospitalized at University Hospital in Krakow, Poland, between 2018 and 2019, due to vertigo or dizziness.
“One alleged group of diseases which can trigger vertigo involves infectious diseases of the nervous system,” the authors explain. “Many pathogens are said to be in part responsible for inflammation; among them are spirochetes of Borrelia [the causative agent of Lyme disease] as well as other pathogens transmitted by ticks.”
What the Study Found
The study found that 76% of the Lyme disease patients reported vertigo, with 54% of them being women compared to 22% of men. Hearing loss and tinnitus were symptoms which frequently accompanied vertigo. One in three patients experienced sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), which was bilateral in 2 individuals and presented as sudden deafness in 2 other individuals. The hearing loss was significant for high frequency hearing loss but not low frequency hearing loss. Tinnitus was reported in 3 out of 5 of the Lyme disease patients, the majority of whom experienced high frequency tinnitus.
In my practice, patients often describe lightheadedness or POTS-like symptoms alongside vertigo, particularly when changing positions quickly. These autonomic symptoms frequently overlap with the balance and hearing issues described in this study.
“Increasingly, tick-borne illnesses [such as Lyme disease] are a potential cause of neurological symptoms reported by patients, including hearing loss, tinnitus, ataxia and vertigo.”
The authors conclude that vertigo “is frequently connected with labyrinth damage and hearing-organ impairment, which suggests that in the course of this disease the inner ear or nerve VIII is dysfunctional. Antibiotic therapy is effective in reducing otoneurological symptoms.”
Clinical Takeaways
A study of 38 hospitalized Lyme disease patients found that 76% reported vertigo, with women experiencing this symptom more frequently than men (54% versus 22%). Hearing loss and tinnitus frequently accompanied vertigo, with one in three patients experiencing sensorineural hearing loss that was significant for high frequencies but not low frequencies, and bilateral in 2 individuals. The findings suggest that the inner ear or cranial nerve VIII becomes dysfunctional during Lyme disease, and antibiotic therapy is effective in reducing these otoneurological symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
How common is vertigo in Lyme disease?
In a study of 38 hospitalized Lyme disease patients, 76% reported vertigo or dizziness. Women experienced this symptom more frequently than men (54% versus 22%).
Can Lyme disease cause hearing loss?
Yes. One in three Lyme disease patients in this study experienced sensorineural hearing loss, which was significant for high frequencies. In some cases, hearing loss was bilateral or presented as sudden deafness.
Does antibiotic treatment help vertigo from Lyme disease?
Yes. The study authors found that antibiotic therapy is effective in reducing vertigo, tinnitus, and other otoneurological symptoms associated with Lyme disease affecting the inner ear and cranial nerve VIII.
References
- Logigian EL, Kaplan RF, Steere AC. Chronic neurologic manifestations of Lyme disease. N Engl J Med. Nov 22 1990;323(21):1438-44.
- Selmani, Z.; Pyykkö, I. Cochlear and vestibular functional study in patients with sudden deafness and Lyme disease. IJOHNS 2014,3, 46–50.
- Ishizaki, H.; Pyykkö, I.; Nozue, M. Neuroborreliosis in the etiology of vestibular neuronitis. Acta Otolaryngol Suppl. 1993.
- Sowula K, Szaleniec J, Dworak M, et al. Vertigo as One of the Symptoms of Lyme Disease. J Clin Med. Jun 25 2021;10(13).
the first time I got lyme years ago I had decreased hearing in my left ear,,,, It still remains …