I was diagnosed with Lyme disease in June, 2021, and was treated with three weeks of oral antibiotics. However, the disease developed into neuro-Lyme. After a brain MRI and a lumbar puncture, I was given intravenous antibiotics for 28 days, but the antibiotics did not eliminate my symptoms (problems with balance and gait), nor did vestibular rehab therapy.
Months later, for unrelated reasons, I had a total knee replacement, and following surgery I was given a prescription for 300 mg gabapentin. My normal gait returned, something I considered a coincidence until I stopped taking the medication and my balance problems returned.
The drug's effect seems counterintuitive since "unsteadiness" and "dizziness" are listed among the possible negative side effects of gabapentin. I am trying to understand why gabapentin may have worked to eliminate my symptoms, so I can share this information with my neurologist.
