Lyme Disease
What is Lyme Disease?
Lyme Disease is a bacterial infection spread through infected tick bites. When left untreated, Lyme Disease can cause a variety of health problems, including joint pain, memory problems, and fatigue. Lyme Disease is most commonly found in the Northeastern United States but has been reported in all 50 states.
It is estimated that approximately 300,000 new cases of Lyme Disease are reported each year in the United States, making it the most common vector-borne illness in the country. Diagnosis and treatment of Lyme Disease can be difficult as the early symptoms are similar to the flu and other illnesses.
Symptoms
Early signs of Lyme Disease may include:
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Muscle and joint pain
- Skin rash
- Swollen lymph nodes
If left untreated, the infection can spread to other parts of the body, causing more severe symptoms such as:
- Severe headaches and neck stiffness
- Pain and swelling of joints
- Bell’s palsy (facial paralysis)
- Irregular heartbeat
- Inflammation of the brain and spinal cord
- Nerve pain
- Shooting pains, numbness or tingling in the hands or feet
Diagnosis and Treatment
Lyme Disease is typically diagnosed through a blood test that detects the presence of antibodies to the bacteria which causes the infection. If the results of the test are positive, then treatment with antibiotics will be recommended.
Most patients who start treatment early will recover fully. In some cases, however, the disease may progress to a chronic form which can result in long-term joint pain and other health problems. In these cases, it is important to have an experienced doctor who can determine the best way to manage the condition.