Symptoms of meningitis

The meninges can also be affected by neuroborreliosis. However, these are not purulent inflamed, as is the case with classic bacterial meningitis. Borreliosis meningitis is more likely to occur in the context of chronic neuroborreliosis (i.e. in stage 3).

In addition to the meninges, the brain tissue or spinal cord are often also affected by the inflammation, which is referred to as encephalomyelitis or meningoencephalitis. Depending on where the focus of the inflammation is located, the symptoms can vary considerably. You will find detailed information under Symtpoma of meningitis.Disturbances of consciousness are among the symptoms of acute meningitis.

Patients then appear absent, apathetic and in other ways behaviorally conspicuous and reduced in consciousness to their surroundings. However, this is not a typical symptom of adult neuroborreliosis, but fortunately occurs only in rare cases. Speech disorders rarely occur in the context of acute neuroborreliosis.

They occur when the inflammation spreads to the brain tissue and affects the areas that control speech. Speech disorders can also occur in the context of chronic neuroborreliosis. An overview of speech disorders and their causes can be found under speech disorders. Incontinence is a rather rare symptom of neuroborreliosis. It is caused by damage to the nerves responsible for emptying the bladder, or to their roots in the area of the spinal cord, if the inflammation extends to the spinal cord.

Symptoms of chronic neuroborreliosis

Chronic neuroborreliosis develops in only 5% of neuroborreliosis patients and is present if the symptoms last longer than 6 months. The chronic form is assigned to stage 3 of Lyme disease. Typical for the chronic neuroborreliosis is the inflammation of the meninges and brain (meningoencephalitis), as well as the spinal cord (myelitis).

Unfortunately, in this case the disease is progressive and does not subside on its own. Frequently there is permanent damage to the brain structures. In addition, localized inflammation of the vessels in the brain (cerebral vasculitis) rarely occurs.

The symptoms that the affected patients have due to these changes in the brain vary greatly. The most common symptoms are paralysis of the limbs and cerebral nerve deficits, e.g. facial nerve paresis (see above). In chronic neuroborreliosis, however, the paralysis remains.

Sensitivity disorders, gait insecurity and bladder dysfunction can also be symptoms. Furthermore, changes in character and neuropsychiatric disorders (headaches, attention problems, impaired memory function, depression, etc.) are described. Patients with chronic neuroborreliosis often suffer from other chronic manifestations of Lyme disease, such as joint inflammation (arthritis) and skin involvement.