disorientation and loss of contact with reality after 4 weeks severe headache

[windbell2004]

Aisan Male in high 20s with a job in IT started to report sever headache a month ago, accomanied by uncontrollable shaking of hands and tounge. These symptoms were followed by progressively developed symptoms of disorientation. He occasiaonlly reported not feeling living in reality and had to check with friends where he was and told them that he didnt feel real. Symptoms became progressively worse that he lose contact with reality. He now lose friends' identity. He has now been hospitalized for 10 days. He now cannot take care of himself at all. He is now basically unresponsvive for any question and when he responded occasionally, speech is basically uncomprehensable. He is occasionally having some seizure like symptoms such as muscle spasm. So far, every test is NEGATIVE, including CT, MRI, blood smaple, CSF etc. 24 hours EEG monitor is also normal. Urgently need some opinions. Thanks so much  

[Carol in PA]

That poor man.
Tick borne infection can cause these symptoms, as the bacteria invade the nerves and cause neurological and psychiatric symptoms.
The tests may all look fine, as the patient gets sicker.

Here are some references:

When To Suspect Lyme Disease
http://cassia.org/essay.htm

Symptoms of Lyme
http://www.canlyme.com/patsymptoms.html

Lyme Disease and Cognitive Impairments
http://www.mentalhealthandillness.com/Articles/LymeDiseaseAndCognitiveImpairments.htmLyme Disease and Cognitive Impairments

Distinct pattern of cognitive impairment noted in study of Lyme patients
http://www.angelfire.com/biz/romarkaraoke/Lymetim1.html


Diagnostic Hints and treatment guidelines for Lyme and other tick borne illnesses
Joseph J Burrascano, Jr., M.D.
http://www.ilads.org/burrascano_0905.html


Good luck with talking to his doctors.
Carol

[windbell2004]

He did mention that before the headache, he got a bite on his neck from a bee or sth like that. I will talk to his doctor about this. Thanks again.