Which neurological complication is most commonly associated with Lyme disease?

Lyme disease, caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, is known to lead to several neurological complications, with Bell's palsy being one of the most commonly recognized manifestations. Bell's palsy, characterized by sudden, unilateral facial weakness or paralysis due to inflammation of the facial nerve (cranial nerve VII), has been strongly associated with Lyme disease. While Lyme disease can lead to a range of neurological symptoms, including encephalitis and peripheral neuropathy, these occur less frequently compared to Bell's palsy.

In clinical practice, the recognition of Bell's palsy in the context of Lyme disease is critical, especially in endemic areas where this tick-borne illness is prevalent. This association helps in the timely diagnosis and management of Lyme disease, leading to appropriate antibiotic treatment which is often effective in improving the symptoms of facial paralysis.

Therefore, the choice reflecting Bell's palsy as the most common neurological complication provides an important insight into the typical manifestations associated with Lyme disease.