Neurootological manifestations of Lyme borreliosis

Abstract

Introduction: The incidence of tick-borne diseases in Poland and Europe is increasing which is considered to be due to climate warming which promotes the growth of tick populations. Lyme borreliosis is the most prevalent leptospirosis in the US and Europe. Due to the potential for serious complications and the lack of specific prevention, diagnostic vigilance is essential so as to ensure early diagnosis and implementation of treatment. The main pathogen-transmitting vector is the tick species Ixodex ricinus. The suborder of ticks (Ixodida) belongs to the Acari subclass of arachnids. The natural reservoir of B. burgdorferi consists of small and medium-sized mammals and birds. Around ¾ of patients with Lyme disease report complaints and present disease symptoms within in the head and neck. The symptoms are diverse and may occur at all stages of the disease. These include headaches, neck pain and stiffness, sore throat, dizziness, cervical lymphadenopathy, otalgia, tinnitus, sudden hearing loss, and facial muscle paresis. Despite numerous papers being published on neurological manifestations of Lyme disease, the issues regarding the location of damage within the course of the auditory pathway and the balance system remain unanswered. In some cases hearing disorders may be due to central damage while others may be due to peripheral damage. Objective: The article provides an overview of reports on the clinical course and manifestation of Lyme borreliosis.