Can Lyme Disease Cause Seizures? When Episodes Are Dismissed as Stress
Can Lyme disease cause seizures or seizure-like episodes? In some cases, children develop neurologic symptoms that resemble seizures—even when brain scans and EEGs appear normal.
This is one of the most emotional stories parents share.
Their child was once energetic and thriving—then something changed.
Fatigue. Brain fog. Dizziness. And sometimes, seizure-like episodes.
Brain scans? Normal.
EEGs? Clear.
But the symptoms continue.
“We were told they were functional seizures—just stress-related. No one believed our child was in pain.”
In some cases, Lyme disease or a tick-borne co-infection may be the missing piece.
What Are Functional Seizures?
Functional seizures—also called psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES)—can look like epileptic seizures but do not show abnormal electrical activity on EEG.
They are often attributed to psychological stress or trauma.
But this raises an important question:
What if it isn’t “just stress”? What if an infection is affecting the nervous system?
Some children with tick-borne illness experience seizure-like episodes that improve with treatment.
What the Research Shows
In a 1998 study led by Dr. Barbara J. Bloom, five children with Lyme disease were followed over time.
Two had seizure-like episodes—but their EEGs and MRIs were normal. After antibiotic treatment, both improved.
A review by Fallon and colleagues found that Lyme disease can mimic seizures, anxiety, and other neurologic conditions—even when imaging appears normal.
These findings support what many families already suspect: the symptoms are real, even when tests are normal.
How Lyme Disease Affects the Brain
Lyme disease can affect the central nervous system—a condition known as neurologic Lyme disease.
In children, symptoms may include:
- Seizure-like episodes
- Dizziness or fainting
- Brain fog and slowed thinking
- Mood changes
- Sensory sensitivities
- Sleep disruption
When standard tests are normal, these symptoms are often misdiagnosed as:
- Anxiety or panic disorder
- ADHD
- Functional neurologic disorder
But Lyme disease and coinfections may produce neurologic symptoms that routine testing does not detect.
A Real-Life Case
A 12-year-old patient developed:
- Seizure-like episodes
- Dizziness
- Brain fog
- Light sensitivity
- Severe fatigue
Her MRI and EEG were normal. She was diagnosed with functional seizures.
But her history included a camping trip.
Testing revealed Lyme disease and Babesia.
After treatment:
- The episodes stopped
- Her thinking improved
- Her energy returned
“She laughed like herself again.”
What Parents Should Know
- Unexplained seizure-like episodes deserve careful evaluation
- Lyme disease can affect the nervous system—even with normal tests
- Normal EEG does not rule out neurologic Lyme disease
- Tick-borne illness should be considered when symptoms are unexplained
Clinical Takeaway
Lyme disease can present with seizure-like episodes—especially in children.
When neurologic symptoms occur without clear explanation, Lyme disease and coinfections should be considered.
Early recognition can lead to meaningful improvement—and in some cases, recovery.
Key Research
- Bloom BJ, et al. Neurocognitive abnormalities in children after Lyme disease. Pediatr Infect Dis J. 1998.
- Fallon BA, Nields JA. Lyme neuroborreliosis: neurologic and psychiatric manifestations. Am J Psychiatry. 1994.
Dr. Daniel Cameron, MD, MPH
Lyme disease clinician with over 30 years of experience and past president of ILADS.
Symptoms • Testing • Coinfections • Recovery • Pediatric • Prevention
I had an “episode” last year where I felt like I was having a stroke. Not sure how else to describe it. Felt like something very bad was about to happen and all I could do was focus on my breathing. Luckily I had texted me husband just before I nearly passed out. Never did faint but had to lay down on the floor as I thought I might. Then lost all ability to talk, walk, move my arms and legs. Couldn’t communicate. Looking back probably should have called an ambulance. About 20 minutes later I was fine. But definitely shook up. Everyone said it was a panic attack but I don’t think so… maybe it was Lyme?
There are some causes of seizures to consider. There are also other issues including a vaso-vagal reflex
Have you only had one episode like this, or repeated episodes?
I have Lyme diseas patients with repeated seizures with an abnormal EEG. you can read more on one of my blogs
I have had a broad spectrum of symptoms since 2020. I initially had a rapid increase in ossteoarthritis which began as PTTD and resulted in a triple arthrodesis surgery which failed and had to be repeated. My surgeon at that time recommended me seeing a Rhematologist and was diagnosed with sero-negative rheumatoid arthritis. Following, I began to have tinnitus of the left ear only which my ENT at the time referred me for an MRI to look for a certain type of cancer. Did not find this, but was diagnosed with a pontine lesion. Began to note increased brain fog and increased problems with word finding and overall STM. Then began to have “seizure-like” activity which has progressively become worse in nature with increased flexor tone and “freezing”. Had 2 EEG’s and diagnosed with FND. Went through a year of behavioral therapy and completed numerous blood labs. One of which was for Lyme disease. This was initially found negative, then my Rheumatologist ran a second testing and was diagnosed with chronic Lyme. All of this has progressed over 5 year span and never remember a tick bite, however remember a bad reaction to what I thought was a spider bite pre Covid time. Didn’t think much of it at the time as it resolved. My Rheumatologist continues to follow me for the Lyme and have not
I have patients who rack up a number of diagnoses before being diagnoses. BTW Lyme disease was initially called Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis by some rheumatologists even if the rheumatologic tests were negative