Symptoms of Lyme Disease

A small percentage of Lyme disease patients will experience symptoms months or even years after being treated with antibiotics. These symptoms can include joint pain, fatigue, and sleep disturbance. The cause of these symptoms is unknown. Therefore, seeking medical attention immediately if you experience any of these signs is essential. However, symptoms can often be treated with antibiotics.

Post-infectious syndrome

Post-infectious syndrome of Lyme disease (PTLDS) can be severe and has distinct pathogenesis. It can develop even years after a patient has been treated for Lyme disease. It is characterized by neurocognitive difficulties, fatigue, and generalized pain. Some of the symptoms are so serious that it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention.

The bite of a tick causes the infection. Ticks are small, blood-feeding creatures that can transmit Lyme disease to humans. They are commonly found in the United Kingdom and other parts of Europe and North America. When they feed on human blood, they can transmit the bacteria that causes the disease.

Lyme disease was first recognized in 1976 as a distinct entity. Until that time, it was thought to be juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Researchers eventually documented the clinical manifestations in several hundred patients from the Lyme region. These patients were examined at the Yale University School of Medicine in New Haven, CT. At that time, antibiotic therapy was not widely used. Patients were given antibiotics only for 10 to 14 days.

Erythema migrans

Erythema migrans is a typical skin lesion that appears after a tick bite. The rash can be pink, purpuric, or red and can range from a few centimeters to a few inches in size. This rash typically appears on the thigh and is generally mildly tender. Most patients will experience a mild rash that disappears within a few days.

Erythema migrans can be a valuable symptom of Lyme disease and is one of the only ways to determine whether a patient has the disease without blood tests. It can be a bullseye-shaped rash with blisters in the center. This rash is typically seen in the early stages of the disease.

Palsies on both sides of the face

Palsies on both sides of the face can be one of the signs that a patient has Lyme disease. These symptoms usually appear about one to three weeks after the patient develops the disease. The affected side usually feels weak and unresponsive in patients with facial palsies. A range of flu-like symptoms often accompanies this symptom. The patient may also experience pain in the ear or behind the ear.

The bacteria that cause Lyme disease can damage the joints and nervous system, including the facial nerve. As a result, the nerve that controls facial muscle function can be damaged, causing weakness in the facial muscles. This condition is called facial palsy and only manifests in the mid to late stages of the disease.

Light sensitivity

Some people with Lyme disease may experience light sensitivity. This condition is a common symptom of this illness. Light can be uncomfortable and even blinding, especially if it is bright. Patients may also experience floaters, blurry vision, and double vision. However, this condition can be temporary and improves with the treatment of the underlying disease.

Many people with Lyme disease also experience changes to their eyes. Light sensitivity results from inflammation of the eye’s optic nerve, which sends visual information to the brain. This condition affects vision and can cause pain and redness in the eye. Some people also experience corneal infections and corneal inflammation.

Patients with this condition should be asked about their Lyme sensitivities. Most patients will be able to volunteer this information. For some patients, the disease can make it difficult to leave the house without wearing sunglasses. This sensitivity may cause patients to withdraw and feel isolated. It may also increase the risk of suicide.

Heart problems

The heart is the most significant muscle in the body, and Lyme bacterium can infect any part of it, including the conduction system around the atrioventricular node and the outer and inner membranes. The infection will cause inflammation, and host immune cells will attack the infected tissue. This results in tissue damage. When the infection is severe enough, it can cause a partial heart block. Symptoms of this condition include lightheadedness, shortness of breath, palpitations, and chest pain.

A blood test can identify if a patient has Lyme heart disease. An electrocardiogram may also identify whether a patient has an AV block. Once the diagnosis is made, treatment will consist of oral and intravenous antibiotics. In severe cases, a temporary pacemaker may be needed. However, most patients will recover within a week to six weeks with proper treatment.