LymeNet Flash: transverse myelitis & Lyme

LymeNet on Facebook

LymeNet on Twitter

Follow @LymeDiseaseNet

The Lyme Disease Network receives a commission from Amazon.com for each purchase originating from this site.

When purchasing from Amazon.com, please
click here first.

Thank you.

Dedicated to the Bachmann Family

LymeNet needs your help:
LymeNet 2020 fund drive

The Lyme Disease Network is a non-profit organization funded by individual donations.

»	LymeNet Flash » Questions and Discussion » Medical Questions » transverse myelitis & Lyme

UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!

Author

Topic: transverse myelitis & Lyme

Friend PAM
Member
Member # 10051

posted

I have a friend who had a sudden onset of what the regular M.D.s are calling "transverse myeltiis." He has been walking with a cane and having a hard time staying balanced. The docs have told him they don't know what the cause is yet. I've encouraged him to consider whether or not it could be caused by Lyme Disease. He has hiked regularly on the Appalachian Trail up in the East, so I would think it quite likely he could have had a tick bite, though he doesn't think did. He was checked for Lyme when he had a spinal tap by a neurologist (I'd been harping on this possibility, so he pushed for the test), but it was negative, so he believes it's not from that. He says he has no other symptoms of Lyme Disease other than this one, and from his reading, he believes he would have other problems from Lyme in addition to this.

I just learned that he is beginning to get his leg strength back, although it's accompanied by a lot of pain, as the numbness subsides.

Anyone know more about the connection between this "syndrome" and Lyme?

Thanks much!

Friend PAM

Posts: 40 | From Cincinnati, Ohio | Registered: Sep 2006 | IP: Logged |

Lymetoo
Moderator
Member # 743

posted

There can be a connection, that's for sure. With his history of being a hiker.. it would be really important for him to rule out Lyme.

He has not done that by having a spinal tap done. The spinal tap will produce a positive result for Lyme about 20% of the time.

He needs to get a test done at Igenex Lab in CA. www.igenex.com .. Ask for tests #188-189 .. Western Blot.

His PCP may be willing to run the test, but I seriously doubt that the neuro would consider it.

You can order the test kit and pay when it is sent in.

MS and Lyme
http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=041617
http://flash.lymenet.org/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=1;t=042877

She was dx'd MS found out Lyme.
Her story is featured on the Public Health Alert Newsletter
http://www.publichealthalert.org/NOV%2007%20PHA.pdf

Chronic Lyme Disease: Connection to MS- Facts behind the controversy
http://www.newhaven.edu/unh/lyme/

--------------------
--Lymetutu--
Opinions, not medical advice!

Posts: 96239 | From Texas | Registered: Feb 2001 | IP: Logged |

Printer-friendly view of this topic

The Lyme Disease Network is a non-profit organization funded by individual donations. If you would like to support the Network and the LymeNet system of Web services, please send your donations to:

The Lyme Disease Network of New Jersey
907 Pebble Creek Court, Pennington, NJ 08534 USA
http://www.lymenet.org/