The significance of neuropsychological assessment in the further disease course of patients with Lyme neuroborreliosis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.7146/pl.v47i1.172040Keywords:
Lyme Neuroborreliosis (LNB), neuropsychological assessment (NPA), the conduct of everyday life, first-person perspective, focus group, critical psychology, qualitative researchAbstract
Lyme Borreliosis is the most common tick-borne infection. Lyme Neuroborreliosis (LNB) is one of the most serious manifestations of Lyme Borreliosis, where the nervous system becomes infected. LNB can cause a wide range of sequelae, including cognitive issues. Despite increased research in the field, it is still unclear what impact neuropsychological evaluation has on the further course of illness in patients with LNB. In the present research project, this was investigated using a qualitative method, a focus group, with patients with LNB, who were followed at the Clinical Center for Emerging and Vector-Borne Infections (CCEVI) and who had undergone a neuropsychological assessment (NPA). Seven patients with LNB participated. Overall, the research project demonstrates that the NPA supports new behavioral patterns in patients with LNB and increases their ability to manage their ongoing illness. Similarly, NPA contributes to increased awareness among patients with LNB and their relatives, and it provides the broader community with a better understanding of the disease course and management.
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