Sciatica, disk herniation, and neuroborreliosis. A report of four cases

Joint Bone Spine. 2004 Sep;71(5):433-7. doi: 10.1016/j.jbspin.2003.09.002.

Abstract

We report four cases of sciatica in patients with same-level disk herniation confirmed by computed tomography and a final diagnosis of acute radiculitis caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, with a favorable response to ceftriaxone therapy. The neurological manifestations of Lyme disease are protean, and a potential contribution of concomitant disk disease to sciatica can lead to diagnostic wanderings. Disk lesions and infectious conditions that can cause sciatica are discussed. Whether a favorable response to antibiotic therapy should be taken as proof of B. burgdorferi radiculitis deserves discussion. In practice, in a patient with clinical manifestations suggesting disk-related nerve root pain and residing or having traveled to an endemic area, B. burgdorferi infection should be looked for, as both etiologies can coexist.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Acute Disease
  • Adult
  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Ceftriaxone / therapeutic use
  • Humans
  • Intervertebral Disc Displacement / complications*
  • Lumbar Vertebrae*
  • Lyme Disease / complications*
  • Lyme Disease / drug therapy
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Radiculopathy / microbiology*
  • Sacrum*
  • Sciatica / complications*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents
  • Ceftriaxone