The neurological impact of Lyme has actually interested me over the years mostly because of my nursing background. I started my nursing career in the NeuroScience field and loved learning about that body system from the start.
But I also experienced neurological Lyme symptoms myself. From neuropathy to mood changes and mental health imbalances, to weakness and headaches, I know first-hand the impact Lyme can have neurologically.
So how does Lyme impact the brain and nervous system exactly? In the same way it can impact any organ!
Lyme spirochetes can enter the brain and/or nerves as they circulate in the bloodstream and can cross the blood-brain barrier into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) which coats our brains and spines.
Once they’ve “infiltrated” the CSF the spirochetes can damage nerve cells, cause increased inflammation (due to extra WBCs and cytokines sent to repair the “injury” to the tissue), release toxins, and disrupt the balance of brain chemicals.
But neuro Lyme is SOOOO much more than this, too. Genetics, coinfections, opportunistic infections, a weakened immune system, gut health disturbances, poor detox, chemical burden - all of these contribute to neurological disturbances and variations from “normal limits” neurologically. In other words, they also contribute to neurological dysfunction - it’s not JUST Lyme spirochetes at play.
Symptoms of neuro Lyme can include: numbness/tingling, vision or other sensory issues (ringing in ears, etc), meningitis symptoms (fever, severe HA, stiff neck), memory loss, cognitive impairment, paralysis, weakness, shaking/tremoring, seizures, Bell’s palsy, nerve damage and nerve pain, neuralgias, decreased reflexes, memory loss, brain fog, mental health and personality changes, ADD/ADHD, neurodivergence, etc, to name a few things
Neuro Lyme is often misdiagnosed as a variety of neurological conditions such as: Multiple Sclerosis, Myasthenia Gravis, Guillain Barre, ALS, myelitis, neuralgias, Alzheimers, Parkinsons, dementia, fibromyalgia, mental health disorders, neurodivergent variations, etc.
This information matters because these neurological manifestations of Lyme are potentially reversible. In the setting of Lyme Disease and coinfections, treatment can help heal the neurological symptoms. This is where a reputable Lyme Literate Provider can be well worth it, as they can tailor an approach to healing that considers your individual need. Antibiotics can be helpful for many people, bearing in mind that going that route means special attention must be placed on gut health and healing or else more damage than good can be done. Herbals can be effective too, but for some do not work well on their own for intensive healing.
But beyond treating Lyme and coinfections well, there’s more to the healing picture, including nutrition for brain healing (low-inflammatory, adaptogens, high in healthy fats, no processed foods), reducing chemical burden (avoiding exposure to toxins as well as detoxing well), supplements to support the neurological system and/or lower inflammation (adaptogens, herbals, CBD, etc), utilizing essential oils (try ones for reducing stress and inflammation, such as lavender, frankincense, lemon balm, and copaiba), lowering stress, increasing sleep, and moving the body daily.
Along with other health basic supplements (like vit C, vit Bs, CQ10, etc) here are some herbs and supps that can be good for the brain and for fighting Lyme/support the immune system: Japanese knotweed, monolaurin, cat’s claw, andrographis, cryptolepsis, garlic, turmeric, L-theonine, ginkgo biloba, bacopa, rhodiola, etc
Brain healing of any kind takes TIME, and in the case of Lyme and coinfections this is no different. Remember that as you move forward in healing. Each step you take matters and adds up over time.
And if you know you need some mentorship, guidance, and empowerment to meet your Lyme healing goals, we need to chat NOW about my Design Your Holistic Lyme Healing Blueprint! I only have a few discounted Founding Member spots left currently. A quick chat can determine if it will be a good fit for you, so comment below or email me at oilswithadele@gmail.com right now if you’re interested!
Disclaimer: this information isn't intended to treat, diagnose, or cure & all opinions are my own based on my own research and personal experience. Please consult with a trusted provider prior to making any medical or treatment decisions.
