|
|
|
|
Lyme borreliosis(LB)causes a range of neurologic manifestations,the most common of which is facial nerve paralysis.To evaluate nervous system LB,we organized a neurologic collaborative study group in Suffolk County,NY,a region of high LB incidence.Between July and September 1989,LB serologies were performed on all patients with new-onset Bell's palsy.Seven of 32 had serologic evidence of LB at onset.One,initially seronegative,was highly seropositive 5 weeks later.I the five in whom we examined CSF,there was no evidence of intrathecal synthesis of specific antibody.In highly endemic areas,LB may be responsible for 1/4 of cases of Bell's palsy.Rarely,the palsy may occur prior to the development of a measurable antibody response,indicating a need for follow-up serologic testing. |
|