This patient presented with a case of facial palsy caused by an infection by the bacterial spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi, and was subsequently diagnosed with Lyme disease. In addition to multiple (secondary) erythema migrans lesions, an early disseminated Lyme disease infection may manifest itself as a disease of the nervous system, the musculoskeletal system, or the heart. Neuropathologic manifestations include lymphocytic meningitis, cranial neuropathy (especially facial nerve palsy), and radiculoneuritis.

Nervous System, Gram-Negative Bacteria, Gram-Negative Bacterial Infections, Borrelia Infections, Lyme Disease

Picture & text from CDC/PHIL. For more information see Lyme Disease Pictures from CDC