Introduction Neuroborreliosis is a form of Lyme disease caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. The bacterium is most frequently transmitted to humans in Europe by tick bites. The most frequent manifestation of Lyme disease is the so-called erythema migrans, a skin rash after a tick bite. However, half of the patients with Lyme disease also … Neuroborreliosis – What is it?
The diagnosis The most important indication of a possible neuroborreliosis is a past tick bite. If the doctor is informed about such a bite and the patient shows typical symptoms of neuroborreliosis, cerebrospinal fluid (liquor) can be taken to confirm the diagnosis. For this purpose, a cannula is inserted into the spinal canal between the … The diagnosis | Neuroborreliosis – What is it?
What is the typical course? One distinguishes 3 stages. In the first stage, skin changes develop at the site of the tick bite. In some cases, there may also be red, raised skin appearing on other parts of the body. Accompanying symptoms may include increased temperature, fatigue, general feeling of illness, headache and muscle pain, … What is the typical course? | Neuroborreliosis – What is it?
The Therapy Since neuroborreliosis is a bacterial infectious disease, it is treated with antibiotics. Suitable preparations are penicillins, cephalosporins and doxycycline. Drug treatment usually takes about three weeks. However, in severe forms, especially if the brain has also been affected, permanent damage may occur. Late stage therapy consists of various measures. As a rule, antibiotics … The Therapy | Neuroborreliosis – What is it?
The prophylaxis In contrast to the early summer meningoencephalitis (FSME) there is no vaccination against Lyme disease. Therefore, there is no medical protection against neuroborreliosis. The most important prophylaxis is therefore concentrated on avoiding tick bites. When you are out in the wild, it is best to wear long clothes and closed shoes. Most ticks … The prophylaxis | Neuroborreliosis – What is it?
The treatment of Lyme disease is long and difficult. Especially in the early stages of the infection, there is still the possibility to get the infection under control. In the advanced stages 2 and 3, in which first a distribution of the pathogen in the body and finally a chronification of the disease takes place, … Lyme disease treatment
Duration The duration of Lyme disease treatment in the early stages is 2-4 weeks of antibiotic therapy. In later stages longer treatment periods are necessary, as the bacterial load is already higher. In the late stages, the usefulness of antibiotics is currently being discussed, as there is disagreement as to whether the side effects of … Duration | Lyme disease treatment
Introduction Ticks are parasites that occur worldwide. They feed on the blood of vertebrates, including the blood of humans (=host). They prefer it warm and humid and are mainly active in the period from February to October. Depending on the temperature, the tick season can be delayed. They are mainly found on the edges of … Tick bite itches – is that normal?
Lyme disease There are 3 different stages in the course of the disease: Stage 1 (local early manifestation with an incubation period of 5-29 days) Stage 2 (early disseminated infection with an incubation period of weeks to months) Stage 3 (late disseminated infection with an incubation period of months to years) Only 50% of the … Lyme disease | Tick bite itches – is that normal?
Preventing an infection with pathogens from ticks If you spend a lot of time during the tick season in areas where ticks occur, you should try to protect yourself from tick bites with the following measures: If a tick has already bitten, it should be removed immediately. This reduces the risk of pathogen transmission (the … Preventing an infection with pathogens from ticks | Tick bite itches – is that normal?
