Stram Center Attendance at the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Association Conference | San Antonio, TX 2025
In October, our team had the privilege of joining our colleagues for the annual International Lyme and Associated Diseases Association (ILADS) conference in San Antonio, Texas. A significant topic discussed at the conference was neuropsychiatric manifestations of vector-borne infections.
Neuropsychiatric manifestations in vector-borne infections are well documented, as is the significant impact that this can have on disease progression; however, there is no consensus on the exact cause - it is likely a combination of multiple factors.
This understanding is ever-evolving, including the recognition of the interplay among infectious, immune, and inflammatory factors. This is thought to occur through a combination of factors, such as cytokine effects, biochemical changes, metabolic dysregulation, and microglial activation. These mechanisms involve immune-mediated processes that can contribute to immune dysregulation and persistent neuroinflammatory states. This can disrupt neurotransmission and neurocircuitry, potentially causing various symptoms.
Not everyone who is affected by Lyme Disease or Neuroborreliosis may experience neuropsychiatric symptoms, and the reason behind this is thought to be related to the individual variability of different factors such as genetics, environment, and infection type. A deeper understanding of these factors is needed to facilitate new avenues for therapeutic intervention, such as immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory therapies.
It is also essential to recognize that having a medical illness that causes debilitating symptoms or loss of functioning, such as seen in Neuroborreliosis, can contribute to worsening states of mental health. Multidisciplinary collaboration can be essential to lessen disease progression. Seeking professional guidance to make sure mental health is addressed, in addition to medical illness, can help you feel better, both mentally and physically.
It is essential to recognize that the causes of neuropsychiatric symptoms that can be frequently seen in those with Neuroborreliosis are multifactorial, and ‘not just in your head’. Early identification, including an interdisciplinary and individual approach to treatment, can help. More research in the field can help further re-examine existing paradigms.
