by Ilse Romahn
(19.07.2022) Ticks aren’t just annoying. They can also transmit infectious diseases such as tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) and Lyme disease. Important to know: Lyme disease can also cause inflammation of the membranes of the brain and spinal cord.
Laboratory tests help to diagnose TBE and the neurological consequences of a Borrelia infection, according to the IPF on World Brain Day on Friday, July 22, 2022.
TBE or neuroborreliosis – with a blood test for the correct diagnosis
TBE is caused by viruses, Lyme disease by bacteria. The pathogens get into the blood and the organism when the tick bites. If a TBE infection actually occurs, unspecific symptoms such as fever, headache, body aches and stiff neck often appear first. Nervous failures and signs of paralysis can occur later. If a borreliosis infection spreads to the nervous system, doctors speak of neuroborreliosis. It manifests itself, among other things, in burning nerve pain. In rare cases, a Lyme disease infection also develops meningitis. Before treatment, doctors must make an accurate diagnosis. Blood tests for antibodies against TBE viruses or Borrelia bacteria can clarify which pathogens trigger the neurological symptoms.
CSF diagnostics in suspected inflammatory processes in the brain
Whether triggered by TBE viruses or Borrelia bacteria: Doctors use laboratory tests to diagnose inflammation of the brain and spinal cord as well as inflammation of the meninges and spinal cord membranes. To do this, they remove fluid from the spinal cord (liquor) and have it examined in the laboratory. A significantly increased number of cells and a significantly increased protein content in the liquor indicates inflammatory processes. The inflammation can be treated with antibiotics.
For more information, see the IPF leaflet Tick-borne Infectious Diseases. It can be free at www.vorsorge-online.de can be downloaded or ordered. Another order option: IPF-Versandservice, Postfach 12 44, 63552 Gelnhausen. Be sure to include title, name and full address.