Ataxic sensory neuropathy and Lyme disease

INTRODUCTION: The clinical spectrum of peripheral neuropathies in Lyme disease is very wide. We report a case which was revealed by an ataxic sensory neuropathy. OBSERVATION: A 77-year-old patient presented with a subacute ataxic sensory neuropathy which occurred 2 weeks after a skin lesion involving the right lower limb. He fully recovered after specific antibiotic treatment. EMG was suggestive of a predominantly axonal neuropathy. Diagnosis of Lyme disease was assessed by progressive elevation of serum antibodies, demonstration of a lymphocytic meningitis and intrathecal synthesis of antibodies. CONCLUSION: Lyme disease may be added to the list of diseases which may induce subacute sensory neuropathies.