What neurological problem is associated with advanced Lyme disease?

In advanced Lyme disease, one of the notable neurological problems that can arise is facial paralysis, commonly referred to as Bell's palsy. The causative agent, Borrelia burgdorferi, which leads to Lyme disease, can affect the nervous system and result in inflammation of the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII). This condition manifests as sudden weakness or paralysis on one side of the face, often accompanied by other symptoms like pain around the jaw or behind the ear, and changes in taste or tearing.

The relationship between Lyme disease and Bell's palsy is significant, as the latter is one of the more recognizable manifestations of neurological involvement in advanced stages of the infection. Understanding this connection is essential for diagnosing and managing neurological complications associated with Lyme disease.