Nearly half a million people are diagnosed with Lyme disease each year and the list of associated symptoms is endless. According to the CDC, neurologic symptoms of Lyme disease occur when the Borrelia burgdorferi affects the peripheral or central nervous systems. This usually happens when treatment is delayed, spreading to the brain and spinal cord and causing a plethora of issues.
These neurological symptoms impact many of the psychiatric symptoms, as well, affecting the mind and causing unusual behavior in Lyme patients.
In fact, research shows that patients hospitalized for Lyme disease had a 28% higher incidence of mental disorders and were twice as likely to attempt suicide than people without Lyme.
Inflammation plays a huge role in psychiatric problems, but the Lyme grief that comes from the financial burden and loss of self is just as real.
While neurological and psychiatric problems are not present in the majority of Lyme patients, you should still be aware of these health concerns.
Here is a breakdown of the Neurological and Psychiatric Symptoms of Lyme:
- Bell’s Palsy (facial muscle weakness)
- Neuropathy (numbness due to nerve damage)
- Nerve Pain
- Meningitis (inflammation of brain and spinal cord)
- Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)
- Depression
- Anxiety or panic attacks
- Sleep disorders
- Irritability/ mood swings
- Rage or aggression
- Obsessions and/or compulsions
- Hyperactivity
- Attention and focus problems
- Antisocial behavior
- Hallucinations/ Formication (feelings of itchiness/bugs crawling on you)
- Brain fog
- Confusion or memory problems
- Executive functioning problems
- Disorganization
- Getting lost
- Communication/verbal fluency problems
- Processing difficulties
- Developmental disorders
- Schizoaffective disorder
- Bipolar disorder
- Eating disorders
- Cognitive impairments
- Dementia
- Seizures
- Suicide
(Source: IGeneX)
What is Bell’s Palsy?
Bell’s Palsy is a more common side effect of Lyme disease and a consequence of damage to the facial nerve. This temporary paralysis of the face muscles on one side can be uncomfortable and painful.
What is brain fog?
Brain fog is a term used to categorize the mental confusion, lack of clarity, and disorientation you feel when you have Lyme. Many in the Lyme community reference having symptoms of brain fog.
Lyme & Mental Health
Individuals may experience mental health conditions such as anxiety, panic attacks, ADD/ADHD, obsessive compulsive disorder, and schizophrenia. Major depression is quite common as those affected begin to lose who they once were. Lyme disease patients may also experience short-term memory loss, mood swings, learning disabilities, and personality changes.
Lyme Sleep Disorders
Many Lyme patients report having chronic fatigue, insomnia, and other sleep disorders such as:
- Non-restorative sleep
- Loss or reversal of Circadian Rhythm
- Excessive Daytime sleepiness
- Restless leg
- Cataplexy (loss of muscle tone)
- Middle of the night Insomnia
- Paroxysmal Nocturnal Limb Movements
- Sleep Apnea
- Narcolepsy
- Sleep Paralysis
- Hypnagogic Hallucinations
- Sleep Attacks
How to treat Neurological Symptoms of Lyme
It is important that you consult your physician if you believe that you are suffering from Neurological Lyme. We have found that detoxification supplements and supplements that support the central nervous system and overall brain health can make a huge difference.
How to treat Psychiatric Symptoms of Lyme
When it comes to your mental health, there are many therapies and drugs available to help you feel like yourself again.
For symptoms such as anxiety and mood swings, we recommend pure and organic CBD formulas.
Neurological Lyme and the associated psychiatric symptoms are some of the most difficult symptoms to identify and attribute to Lyme disease. If you are suffering from any of these symptoms, know that you are not alone and that help is available.
Chronic Lyme affects the entire body. Learn more about the symptoms of Lyme.