Neuropsychiatry, Brain Inflammation, and the Science of Persistent Lyme with GLA Gala Honoree, Dr. Brian Fallon

Can a tick-borne infection masquerade as a primary psychiatric condition? In this episode of the Lyme+ Podcast, host Kenzie Vath sits down with Dr. Brian Fallon, Director of Columbia University's Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease Research Center and a global authority on neuropsychiatric Lyme disease.Dr. Fallon traces his pioneering work from his landmark 1994 American Journal of Psychiatry cover story to modern clinical trials at Columbia University. Discover how stealth infections trigger immune-mediated central nervous system inflammation, why standard antibiotic protocols may leave lingering cognitive deficits, and the revolutionary therapies on the horizon.In this episode, we discuss:The Neuropsychiatric Manifestation of Lyme: Why late-stage and persistent Lyme triggers brain fog, treatment-refractory depression, panic attacks, and cognitive decline.Brain Scans & Objective Proof: What SPECT scans revealed about cerebral vasculitis and how PET imaging tracks altered metabolic activity and blood flow in chronic Lyme encephalopathy.The Danish Registry Study on Suicide Risk: The alarming GLA-funded epidemiological data revealing a 75% increase in suicide and a 200% increase in suicidal behavior following Lyme disease diagnosis.Inflammatory Cytokines & Glutamate: How elevated interferon-alpha and neurotransmitter excitotoxicity impact mental health and cognitive function.Cutting-Edge Clinical Trials at Columbia: How non-invasive transcutaneous vagus nerve stimulation (tVNS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) paired with cognitive training are calming inflammation and restoring brain networks.Diagnostic Gaps & Pathogen Debris: The urgent search for active-infection biomarkers and the role of persistent peptidoglycan fragments.To Learn More About the GLA Gala: https://www.globallymealliance.org/gala2026Connect & Resources Mentioned:Columbia Center: Columbia University Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease Research CenterBook: Conquering Lyme Disease: Science Bridges the Great Divide by Dr. Brian A. Fallon & Dr. Jennifer SotskyOrganization: Global Lyme AllianceKeywords: Lyme disease, chronic Lyme, neuropsychiatric Lyme, Dr. Brian Fallon, Columbia University, vagus nerve stimulation, tVNS, brain fog, encephalopathy, SPECT scan, PET scan, interferon alpha, depression, mental health, Global Lyme Alliance, GLA, Lyme+ Podcast.Disclaimer: The views expressed on Lyme+ are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the views of Global Lyme Alliance, Inc. or its affiliates. The content is provided for informational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified physician regarding any medical condition.