First is about Neuro Lyme. Can anyone direct me toward good information on how Lyme can cause neurological symptoms, like short term memory loss, and what can be done about it. A 3 week course of oral anti-biotics was done after the discovery of the bulls eye rash, but then the arthritic symptoms have been off and on for 5-6 years Second, I'm also interested in any information on how Lyme runs in families. My mother and I each had Lyme (hers is more recent and still active, mine has been in remission for over a decade). Is there a genetic predisposition to getting Lyme, or to being unable to fight it off? Just thought it was curious that we each had it, and in both cases, it has been bad. (I had the full spectrum of symptoms, starting with dramatic bulls eye rash, stiff neck, devastating headaches, facial paralysis, joint inflammation, etc, for about 2 years).
Thanks for any help!
Posted by RC1 (Member # 31923) on :
In my opinion neuro Lyme is caused by the toxins that the Lyme gives off when it dies. I also think that it is genetic in the way that some of us don't detox those toxins very well and that it's the toxins that make us ill.
Posted by Razzle (Member # 30398) on :
Lyme can get through the blood-brain barrier and infect the brain. But Lyme can also cause peripheral nerve issues just by attacking the peripheral nerves themselves directly (Lyme loves to "eat" myelin sheath material).
Yes, some LLMD's believe there are genetic aspects affecting some with chronic Lyme - somehow the genes prevent the immune system from being as effective, and also as RC1 said, there are genetic influences on one's ability to detox the Lyme die-off toxins (and other toxins) as effectively.
Lyme is also known to be transmitted across the placenta and via breastmilk. Sexual transmission is controversial but some do belive it is possible.