Neuro-ophthalmologic manifestations of Lyme disease

Ophthalmology. 1990 Jun;97(6):699-706. doi: 10.1016/s0161-6420(90)32519-8.

Abstract

Lyme disease is a tick-borne spirochetal infection characterized by skin rash, neurologic, cardiac, and arthritic findings. The authors report six patients with Lyme disease who had neuro-ophthalmologic manifestations. One patient had meningitis with papilledema, two had optic neuritis, and one had neuroretinitis. Three patients had sixth nerve paresis, two of whom cleared quickly, whereas multiple cranial nerve palsies and subsequent optic neuropathy developed in another. Early recognition of neuro-ophthalmologic findings can help in the diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Abducens Nerve / physiopathology
  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Child
  • Eye Diseases / etiology*
  • Female
  • Fundus Oculi
  • Humans
  • Lyme Disease / complications*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Meningitis / etiology
  • Middle Aged
  • Optic Nerve Diseases / etiology*
  • Papilledema / etiology
  • Retinitis / etiology
  • Visual Acuity
  • Visual Fields