A relative in the USA has shown a pronounced decrease in mental function since 2018. A spinal tap showed a severe Lyme infection in the brain or central nervous system. It was thought that meningitis resulting from this Lyme infection with associated brain swelling may have contributed to the situation via vascular dementia. The person recently completed a 6-week course of daily intravenous Ceftriaxone. Little or no improvement has been observed in mental function.
The medical literature seems to indicate that someone with Lyme-induced dementia usually responds to this antibiotic and shows improved mental function within weeks of this type of treatment. Do you know of any studies that indicate that for some people the mental fog of long-term Lyme disease may take longer to resolve? What might be a course of treatment?
Posted by Phoiph (Member # 41238) on :
Was the spinal tap done in 2018, or recently?
Posted by asopao (Member # 52467) on :
quote:Originally posted by Phoiph: Was the spinal tap done in 2018, or recently?
The spinal tap was done in about Aug 2021. Thanks!
Posted by Phoiph (Member # 41238) on :
First of all, is there a current/future treatment plan in place for the active infection?
Were co-infections considered?
What type of doctor is providing treatment?
Posted by CarolMartin (Member # 52217) on :
I'm not sure if there are any studies specifically addressing the time it takes for mental fog to resolve in cases of long-term Lyme disease.
[ 05-22-2023, 10:59 AM: Message edited by: CarolMartin ]
Posted by terv (Member # 29410) on :
Treatment of lyme and associated tick diseases is very complicated. It requires use of many different antibiotics.
I suggest finding a doctor that treats lyme (unfortunately usually cash only). When you look for one try and determine if they treat with IV antibiotics and the cost of it. However my son's doctor didn't treat with IV but sent her patients to one who did if she felt they needed it.
For me my insurance covers the drugs prescribed by the doctor. Even the IV drugs. So my most expensive cost was my appointments. In particular the appointments when treating with IV.
There is a "seeking a doctor" link on this site. Post on it and someone will probably respond.
Posted by Lymetoo (Member # 743) on :
The other thing to consider how long this person had been infected with Lyme. If they already had it for years and years, then it will take longer to clear.
Damage may have already been done and the results may not be what is desired.
Posted by Phoiph (Member # 41238) on :
A spinal tap in 2021 was positive for active Lyme (and we know it can be difficult to get a positive spinal tap).
Mental fog is certainly not going to be the first thing that is going to resolve when the immune system is still activated against the current infection; that would come much later (or last), after the neuro-inflammatory response has calmed down.
Unfortunately, asopao hasn't responded to questions since 2021, so it is difficult to offer suggestions.