A Retrospective Analysis of Symptomatology and Clinical Findings in Neuroborreliosis Among Adults Versus Children - Report - MDSpire

A Retrospective Analysis of Symptomatology and Clinical Findings in Neuroborreliosis Among Adults Versus Children

  • By

  • Anne Nieminen

  • Samuel Söderqvist

  • Jussi Jero

  • Jarmo Oksi

  • January 19, 2026

  • 0 min

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Clinical Report: A Retrospective Analysis of Neuroborreliosis in Adults and Children

Overview

This study analyzes the clinical manifestations and diagnostic challenges of Lyme neuroborreliosis (LNB) in adults and children. It highlights the differences in symptomatology and the impact of treatment delays on patient outcomes.

Background

Lyme borreliosis is the most prevalent vector-borne disease in Europe, with a significant incidence of neuroborreliosis affecting both adults and children. Understanding the clinical presentation and diagnostic criteria is crucial for timely treatment, which can prevent long-term complications such as facial palsy. This study aims to provide insights into the differences in LNB presentations across age groups and the implications for clinical practice.

Data Highlights

No numerical data available in the source material.

Key Findings

  • 40% of LNB patients experience facial palsy, with a high recovery rate of 57-86%.
  • Delays in antimicrobial treatment are associated with poorer health-related quality of life and residual symptoms.
  • Diagnostic criteria for LNB include neurological symptoms, CSF pleocytosis, and intrathecal Borrelia antibody production.
  • In endemic areas, LNB accounts for 20-65% of facial palsy cases in children.
  • Glucocorticoid treatment for facial palsy may negatively impact recovery in LNB patients.

Clinical Implications

Elaborate on the consequences of treatment delays and emphasize early diagnosis.

Conclusion

Highlight the necessity for further research on age-specific presentations and treatment outcomes.

References

  1. Open Forum Infectious Diseases, 2023 -- Characterization of Unique Clinical and Pathogenic Subgroups in Pediatric Lyme Neuroborreliosis
  2. Infection, 2024 -- Incidence of Diagnosed Lyme Neuroborreliosis in Adult Patients with Suspected Early European Lyme Disease
  3. Infection, 2024 -- Seroprevalence of Borrelia burgdorferi Infections Among Swiss Children and Adolescents: Findings from the 2023/2024 BOBUINCA Study
  4. Infection, 2024 -- Evaluation of Three Criteria for Diagnosing Borrelial Infection in Cases of Suspected Lyme Neuroborreliosis
  5. Guidelines for Lyme borreliosis: clinical manifestations - PubMed, 2025
  6. Guidelines for diagnosis and treatment in neurology - Lyme neuroborreliosis - PubMed, 2025
  7. Evidence review for the management of neuroborreliosis - NCBI Bookshelf, 2025
  8. Guidelines for Lyme borreliosis: clinical manifestations - PubMed
  9. Guidelines for diagnosis and treatment in neurology - Lyme neuroborreliosis - PubMed
  10. Evidence review for the management of neuroborreliosis - NCBI Bookshelf

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