Understanding Lyme Disease: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

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Lyme Disease

by Alike Medical Team ∙ Updated on June 13, 2023

Additional names

This group contains additional names: - Erythema chronica migrans

General

Lyme disease is caused by bacteria. It spreads to humans through the bite of an infected tick, which often goes unnoticed. Most tick bites happen in the summer months, and people who spend lots of time outdoors are at increased risk. At first, Lyme disease usually causes symptoms such as a rash, fever, headache, and fatigue. But if it is not treated early, the infection can spread to other organs. Prompt treatment can help you recover quickly.

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Signs & symptoms

Early symptoms of Lyme disease start between 3 to 30 days after the bite. The symptoms can include a red rash that can get bigger over several days, and may look like a bull's-eye, with a faded center. Other symptoms include fever, chills, headache, fatigue, muscle and joint aches. If the infection is not treated, it can spread to your joints, heart, and nervous system. The symptoms may include severe headache, facial palsy, severe joint inflammation, heart palpitations, and inflammation of the brain and spinal cord.

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask you about your symptoms and medical history. He or she will perform a physical exam and ask regarding recent travels and outdoor camping. A final diagnosis is made through a blood test. However, because these tests take time, and the results are often negative in an early infection, treatment will be started if your physical exam and symptoms raise suspicion for Lyme disease.

Treatment

Lyme disease is treated with antibiotics. The earlier you are treated, the better; it gives you the best chance of fully recovering quickly. After treatment, some patients may still have pain, fatigue, or difficulty thinking that lasts more than 6 months. This is called post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS).

Note

☝ We provide information on prescription and over-the-counter medicines, diagnosis, procedures and lab tests. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

National Institutes of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ MedlinePluse ∙ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

☝ All information has been reviewed by certified physicians from Alike

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