BACTERIA

Post Lyme disease: how is it going?

Lyme disease is an infectious disease that is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected tick. The bacterium responsible for this disease is Borrelia burgdorferi. Infected ticks are usually found in wet and wooded areas. They can bite both children and adults. However, the people most at risk are those who work in these types of environments. This is the case for farmers, stockbreeders, forest rangers and botanical researchers. Lyme Borreliosis evolves over several years and can become disabling. However, it is perfectly treatable. But in some patients, a post-illness syndrome can appear. What is this syndrome? How does it manifest itself and how is it treated?

A brief reminder of Lyme disease

Before we look at what happens in post-Lyme disease, it is worthwhile to make a brief reminder of the manifestations of this infectious disease.

Symptoms

Apart from the very characteristic skin symptoms of Lyme disease, it should be remembered that this bacterial infection evolves in three main stages. Its manifestations then differ from one phase to another. Each phase is followed by completely asymptomatic periods.

Treatments

Since Lyme disease follows a bacterial infection, the basis of its treatment is antibiotic therapy. In some cases, antibiotics are combined with a steroid. Depending on the severity of the infection, treatment varies. Some patients may even require hospitalization.

What happens in the brain after treating Lyme disease

Lyme Borreliosis is a disease that can be treated very well. However, post-Lyme disease problems have been identified by researchers and doctors. In fact, it is the post-treatment syndrome of the Lyme disease or SPTML. This syndrome would correspond to a chronic and generalized brain inflammation. It affects more than one in ten people who have been effectively treated with antibiotics for Lyme Borreliosis. To detect it, a brain scan would be required. Note that this syndrome is also called "chronic Lyme Borreliosis".

Symptoms of post-treatment syndrome 

Lyme disease post-treatment syndrome, as the name suggests, is a group of health problems that occur after successful treatment of Lyme disease. The symptoms of SPTML therefore suggest a continuation of the disorders related to borreliosis. These symptoms are observed for at least 6 months and are as follows:

How is post-treatment syndrome diagnosed?

Even if the origin of Lyme disease is known, the occurrence of post-Lyme disease syndrome is still a mystery to doctors. Hypotheses abound, but none of them have been supported by conclusive evidence. In any case, the diagnosis can be made by doctors under certain conditions. It is primarily based on symptoms. For example, SPTML is made when the treated patient reports persistent fatigue and cognitive impairment. These manifestations must have lasted at least six months after treatment.

How to handle SPTML?

To date, no treatment for Lyme disease post-treatment syndrome is known. Some patients simply see their condition improve over time. And if they recover, it may take several years. However, research is still continuing to find ways to alleviate the condition of these patients and cure them completely. One of the most serious avenues is the use of drugs that target neuro-inflammation. According to researchers, this type of medication could be effective in treating this syndrome.

Despite the difficulty encountered by doctors as to the true origin and treatment of post-Lyme disease, this syndrome remains quite rare. Also, some patients see their condition improve without taking medication. In any case, caution should be exercised if you experience the symptoms mentioned in this article as a result of Lyme disease. It is best to tell your doctor.