CNS-borreliosis selectively affecting central motor neurons

S. Fredrikson,

Corresponding Author

S. Fredrikson

Department of Neurology, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden

Department of Neurology Karolinska Institutet S-14186 Huddinge SwedenSearch for more papers by this author

H. Link,

H. Link

Department of Neurology, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden

Search for more papers by this author

S. Fredrikson,

Corresponding Author

S. Fredrikson

Department of Neurology, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden

Department of Neurology Karolinska Institutet S-14186 Huddinge SwedenSearch for more papers by this author

H. Link,

H. Link

Department of Neurology, Karolinska Institutet, Huddinge Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden

Search for more papers by this author

First published: September 1988

https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0404.1988.tb03642.x

Citations: 23

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Abstract

ABSTRACT- A patient is described having Borrelia burgdorferi spirochetal infection clinically affecting central motor neurons selectively and without any sensory impairment. Diagnosis was based on elevated B. burgdorferi IgG antibody titers in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and titer normalization at clinical recovery. This occurred promptly and was complete after penicillin treatment despite 14 months of progressive central nervous system (CNS) dysfunction, favouring the hypothesis of the presence of the organism within the CNS. CSF findings characteristic of neuroborreliosis were registered, including parallel occurrence of mononuclear plecytosis, severe blood-brain barrier damage and marked CSF IgM index elevation of prolonged duration. Some earlier reports of CNS manifestations related to B. burgdorferi are reviewed.

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