What is the most common neurologic symptom of Lyme disease?

What is the most common neurologic symptom of Lyme disease?

• A. Bell's palsy
• B. Meningitis
• C. Encephalitis
• D. Radiculopathy

Answer: (A)

In Lyme disease, neurological involvement most often appears as cranial neuropathy, especially affecting the facial nerve. This inflammation of the seventh cranial nerve produces Bell's palsy, which can present as weakness of facial muscles on one side and is sometimes bilateral. While meningitis, encephalitis, or radiculopathy can occur, they are less common than facial nerve palsy in this infection. So the facial nerve palsy pattern—Bell's palsy—is the most frequent neurologic manifestation in Lyme disease.

In Lyme disease, neurological involvement most often appears as cranial neuropathy, especially affecting the facial nerve. This inflammation of the seventh cranial nerve produces Bell's palsy, which can present as weakness of facial muscles on one side and is sometimes bilateral. While meningitis, encephalitis, or radiculopathy can occur, they are less common than facial nerve palsy in this infection. So the facial nerve palsy pattern—Bell's palsy—is the most frequent neurologic manifestation in Lyme disease.