1Assistant Professor, Neuroscience Section, Department of Medicine, Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine , Roanoke , USA.
Abstract
Abstract Importance: To describe a case of predominantly motor polyradiculopathy secondary to Lyme disease that can mimic motor neuron disease and has been rarely reported.
Observations: A 64 year-old man presented with a one-month history of rapidly progressive weakness involving bulbar, upper limb and lower limb muscles.
The physical examination showed widespread weakness, atrophy, fasciculation and brisk reflexes. The initial electrodiagnostic test showed widespread active and chronic denervation findings.
The initial physical and electrodiagnostic findings were suggestive of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
However blood serology indicated possible Lyme disease.
Thus, the patient was treated with doxycycline. The clinical and electrodiagnostic findings were resolved with the treatment.
Conclusion and Relevance: The diagnosis of Lyme disease can be very challenging and it can mimic other neurological disorders such as ALS or Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS).
Careful and detailed examination and investigation are required to confirm the diagnosis and to prevent misleading inaccurate diagnoses.
PMID: 24397499 [PubMed - as supplied by publisher]
Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- Excellent and very brave of them to publish that. It could not have been easy and they will get a lot of grief from the IDSA for that but, whew!, finally. Truth is coming out.
Not sure how the wording will be interpreted, there seems some "wiggle room" -- still, amazing for that to be a neurology journal.
Still, imagine if they went further to include other tick borne infections . . . or if they were to follow the poor person who gets only that short course of doxycycline but later could very likely see symptoms return & become chronic because the treatment of just doxy pushed it into the cyst form to just hide for a while.
Wonder if they will keep in touch with that patient. And I hope that patient finds an ILADS doctor in they have the slightest issues in the future.
Still, kudos for the courage of the writers and publishers of that. It's a huge step forward.
Finally, some truth coming about lyme coming out of a university medical center. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Tincup
Honored Contributor (10K+ posts)
Member # 5829
posted
Keebler, I couldn't have said it better! You are right on!
We need more of this kind of publication out there and yes, it is risky because the IDIOTS go after anyone who dares to put the truth out there like a rabid bull dog after a bone, which is so shameful.
I am caught up in some deep projects, but would love to know someone would go to various ALS sites and share this with them.
posted
Yup....that's what the doctors are telling me. My LLND appt is tomorrow ...ILADS! Igenix showed no bands for bartonella....Any ideas what blood test would prove lyme. I cringe to have ALS.
I have two ALS ladies whom provide help, (ramps, scooters, etc) two separate groups coming this week. Struggle walking ......
-------------------- Teri Posts: 63 | From Hampton Nh | Registered: Nov 2013
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