Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted by a tick to a human.

Some cases of Lyme disease are easily treated with antibiotics if caught early and properly diagnosed. Unfortunately, some cases of Lyme disease are not caught early and severe, debilitating symptoms can result. Lyme disease is considered by some to be one bacteria (borrellia burgdorfer) but it is now known that multiple strains of Lyme bacteria exist and often in the very ill patient the presence of other co-infections contribute to the long term symptoms. All of these issues need to be addressed in the Lyme patient.

Early-Lyme Disease Symptoms

If Lyme disease is not diagnosed and treated early, it can turn into chronic Lyme disease. Symptoms of early Lyme disease may include:
  • Flu-like symptoms, including fever, chills, muscle aches, nausea, joint pain
  • Bell’s palsy/facial drooping
  • Rash – often appears in a bulls eye shape; however, many develop a different type of rash or no rash at all

Late Stage or Chronic Lyme Disease Symptoms

  • Fatigue
  • Mood Problems
  • Cognitive Impairment
  • Muscle Pain
  • Joint Pain
  • Neurological Presentations
  • Poor Sleep
  • Bell's Palsy

Consult the ILADS website for Later Signs and Symptoms, as well as Less Common Signs and Symptoms of Lyme disease.

Prevention

Enjoy the outdoors by taking these steps to protect yourself and your family from ticks: