Lyme meningitis, manifesting as Parkinsonism, is fully reversed with ceftriaxone
An abstract published in Critical Care Medicine discusses what the authors believe is the first reported case of Lyme meningitis “presenting with symptoms suggestive of rapidly progressing Parkinsonism.” The case report describes a patient whose symptoms resolved when proper treatment was initiated.
by Daniel J. Cameron, MD MPH
The case of a 79-year-old man whose symptoms were initially attributed to idiopathic Parkinson’s disease but later found to be due to Lyme meningitis was described by Patel and colleagues in “Atypical Lyme Meningitis with Parkinson Disease-Like Manifestations.” [1] The man’s condition was “fully reversible” with intravenous ceftriaxone.
The patient, who had a history of follicular lymphoma in remission, experienced two months of rapidly progressing weakness and persistent headache, explains Patel. “He developed a shuffling, widebased gait without rigidity, predominantly left-sided bradykinesia, marked intention tremor, postural tremor, hypomimia, hypophonia, and positive Romberg test.”
The authors ruled out cancer with a Computed tomography (CT) and CT angiogram of the head and paraneoplastic work-up. Lyme meningitis was diagnosed based upon:
- Cerebral spinal fluid analysis with 6 white blood cells per mm3 and 95% lymphocytes
- Positive Lyme serology (titer 2.57 LIV)
- History of exposure as an avid hunter
- Multiple tick bites after each outings
- Absence of another infection
Treatment was successful with Ceftazidime 1g IV every 8 hours for 2 days followed by a 4-week course of Ceftriaxone 2 g IV. “Within 4 weeks of therapy, his headache had resolved and he walked independently without difficulty.” [1]
Parkinsonism is a group of heterogeneous degenerative neurological disorders, typically treated with levodopa-carbidopa. “Parkinsonism plus syndrome is a group of heterogeneous degenerative neurological disorders, which differ from the classical idiopathic Parkinson’s disease in certain associated clinical features, poor response to levodopa, distinctive pathological characteristics and poor prognosis,” according to Mitra. [2]
There is a wide range of parkinsonian syndromes, which include idiopathic Parkinson disease (PD), progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), multiple system atrophy (MSA), corticobasal degeneration (CBD), and vascular Parkinsonism (VaP), according to Litvan from the University of California. [3]
The authors conclude, “Lyme meningitis merits consideration in endemic areas in cases of subacute onset of Parkinsonism of unknown etiology, as it may be fully reversible with antibiotic therapy.” [1]
References:
- Patel R, Larnard J, Poowanawittayakom N, Glew R. 1800: Atypical Lyme Meningitis with Parkinson Disease-Like Manifestations. Crit Care Med, 44(12 Suppl 1), 525 (2016).
- Mitra K, Gangopadhaya PK, Das SK. Parkinsonism plus syndrome–a review. Neurol India, 51(2), 183-188 (2003).
- Williams DR, Litvan I. Parkinsonian syndromes. Continuum (Minneap Minn), 19(5 Movement Disorders), 1189-1212 (2013).
Jean
06/28/2019 (9:11 pm)
I am sure I have Parkinsonism as I have Lyme, and the symptoms of Parkinsons seem to be rapidly progressing. Can you refer me to a nueologist in Chicago area that would be open to prescribing ceftriaxone. Thank you for this information and for your work.
Dr. Daniel Cameron
06/29/2019 (8:07 pm)
I have seen both conditions in my practice in New York. I am glad someone is looking at the overlap. I am not familiar with the neurologists in your area.
Jason Radford
03/08/2019 (5:08 pm)
Dr Cameron. My mother was officially diagnosed with PSP about 12 months ago. She was treated for Lyme almost 20 years ago after years of testing to determine the cause of her fatigue. After intravenous treatment and months of oral antibiotics, she returned to full health. She is now in a memory care unit due to rapid on-set of PSP symptoms. She has fought for Lyme Treatment as she feels it is Lyme but her Doctors wont treat her for Lyme. I know that she may be grasping for an answer to a horrible diagnosis but why would a DR refuse to treat with Antibiotics?
Dr. Daniel Cameron
03/08/2019 (6:17 pm)
It can be difficult to determine is two illnesses are connected (In this case Progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP) and a tick borne illness)).
Jenn
09/29/2021 (11:33 pm)
They suspected my father has PSP as he has atypical Parkinsonisms. He also has some mild hydrocephalus on MRI. They plan to take some fluid from his spine to see if it improves his walking. Is there a specific test I should be asking them to run to test for this? He has untreated Lyme for several years in the 80’s and when it was discovered finally (he figured it out), he went on IV Cipro to cure it. He also lives in a tick area. Can it resurface? Normal blood Lyme tests were negative. Advice?
Dr. Daniel Cameron
09/30/2021 (6:58 am)
The spinal tap test for Lyme disease is not as reliable as I would like. For example, an increase in number of cells in the spinal fluid called pleocytosis can happen from many illnesses. I would not be surprised if you are referring to IV Rocephin rather than IV cipro.
Christy
01/14/2019 (3:54 am)
About 4 years ago my mom got a tick bite on her back and within a few days a perfect bullseye about the size of a fist came up. She has never tested positive for lymes but she was treated a few times for it. During this same time she got to where she was unable to move to get out of bed. We finally took her to a neurologist and they diagnosed her with Parkinson’s. Within 30 minutes of taking the parkinson’s meds she was able to walk. I am still wondering if this was a coincidence or did it have something to do with the tick. My mom now cannot walk very good and her balance is bad, along with other issues. She was working 2 jobs moved around vibrant until she got the tick bite and since then she has went down hill. Just wondering your opinion.
Dr. Daniel Cameron
01/14/2019 (6:33 am)
Lyme disease, Parkinson’s disease, and Parkinsonism are common conditions. The case report reminds researchers to study whether there is a connection. I have had patient with both Lyme disease and Parkinsonism a the the same time. I had to work with a neurologist at the same time. You should gave have your mother evaluated in case any of her illness is related to a tick borne illness.
Daryl Kelleher
12/18/2018 (2:19 am)
I have Lyme meningitis could this be causing memory loss
Dr. Daniel Cameron
12/18/2018 (6:37 am)
Memory loss and poor concentration have been seen in individuals with Lyme disease.
Jeanine Palazzi
12/11/2016 (6:06 pm)
Thank you for your work and research. A recent bioelectric scan has revealed both meningitis and borrelia, and tularemia just to name a few. However I have no way to receive treatment, no insurance, no MD, no funds. The irony is that I am a Physical Therapist Assistant without a job due to pain, weakness, fatigue, and brain fog.
Dr. Daniel Cameron
12/17/2016 (1:57 pm)
The blog covers a case report from an abstract presented at a conference. We remain encouraged when physicians look a second time at a medical problems for an answer. In this case, treatment of a common medical problem, Lyme meningitis, resolved another common problem Parkinsonism.