Non-lyme tick-borne diseases: a neurological perspective

Curr Neurol Neurosci Rep. 2013 Oct;13(10):388. doi: 10.1007/s11910-013-0388-6.

Abstract

Tick-borne diseases are prevalent throughout the world and present a diagnostic challenge owing to their nonspecific clinical symptoms. Many tick-borne diseases involve the central and peripheral nervous systems. Early diagnosis or at least suspicion of a tick-borne cause is necessary to institute early empiric treatment. After a brief review of tick biology, we present the most common tick-borne diseases. A brief discussion of epidemiology, the transmission route, and pathogenesis is followed by a discussion of the clinical manifestations, diagnosis and treatment options when available. The review emphasizes the infectious causes with a significant neurological manifestation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Humans
  • Nervous System Diseases / etiology*
  • Nervous System Diseases / parasitology
  • Tick-Borne Diseases / complications*
  • Tick-Borne Diseases / epidemiology*
  • Ticks / pathogenicity
  • Ticks / physiology