Lyme Disease Symptoms

Just as is the case with lupus symptoms, lyme disease symptoms can vary wildly from patient to patient because tits effects are widespread throughout the body and can take many forms. This poses particular difficulties for doctors because it is unlikely that two patients with lyme disease will display the same set of symptoms, and in very early cases no symptoms at all may be present.

Lyme disease is transmitted through the bite of a tick, so if you have been recently bitten or suspect that you have contracted lyme disease, visit your doctor so the proper blood testing may be done. It is important to diagnose lyme disease early on because if it is left untreated, serious disabilities may result. There are three primary phases of lyme disease.

Early Localized Lyme Disease Symptoms

The early phase is classified as the first days or weeks following the tick bite. This is the time in which about half of infected people develop the “bull’s eye” rash that many of us think of when we think of lyme disease.

Lyme Disease Rash – Of all the symptoms of lyme disease, this is the one that most people are familiar with. The erythema migrans (EM) is a red, circular rash that forms around the tick bite. It usually forms within the first 14 days following the bite, but it may not occur at all. It generally does not itch and tends to fade over time, even without treatment.

Fatigue

Pain or Aching Muscles and Joints

Fever – Many patients experience a low-grade fever, running about 102 degrees F, though this is a more common symptom of lyme disease in children than adults.

Swollen Lymph Nodes

Headache

Black Legged Tick - Photo Credit: Flickr / Jerry Kirkhart

Early Disseminated Lyme Disease

If there is no treatment during the initial phase or if lymes disease symptoms were not present, the patient will move into the second phase. This will occur weeks or months after the initial infection, and marks the dissemination of the bacteria to other parts of the body apart from the location of the bite. During this phase, additional skin, joint, nervous system, and heart symptoms will occur.

Heart Symptoms – Lyme disease symptoms affecting the heart include palpitations, tachycardia, and irregular heartbeat. This is somewhat rare.

Additional Rashes – The initial rash around the bite will likely have faded by this time, but additional rashes will begin forming across the body where the bacteria has spread. This is sometimes accompanied by blistering.

Partial Facial Paralysis – Some patients experience a loss of muscle control over some or all of the face.

Headache, Dizziness and Neck Pain

Numbness or Weakness of the Arms or Legs

Eye Symptoms – Lyme disease signs and symptoms affecting the eyes include blurred vision, double vision, eye irritation, light sensitivity, and conjunctivitis (pink eye).

Memory Problems and Lack of Mental Acuity

Advanced Lyme Disease Symptoms

If lyme disease symptoms are left untreated or are not adequately treated, the patient may progress into the advanced stage. It can take months or years after the initial infection to progress to this stage, but the symptoms are more severe.

Swollen and Aching Joints – This is particularly true in the case of the knees, as large joints are most often affected.

Severe Fatigue

Neurological Problems – As lyme disease symptoms worsen and progress, the effect on the nervous system becomes much more pronounced. The patient may experience insomnia, slurred speech, memory problems, and loss of muscle control.

Numbness or Pain In Hands and Feet – Shooting pains or numbness in the hands and feet are common in the advanced stage.

Lyme Disease Arthritis – Chronic lyme arthritis is believed to be the result of the body’s immune system responding to the infection. There is a high level of inflammation in the joints, resulting in swelling, fluid buildup, pain, and redness that can last for months at a time.

Speak to your doctor, and be sure to ask, “What are the symptoms of lyme disease?” if you suspect that you may have been infected. Lyme disease can be cured in most cases with proper antibiotic treatment, especially if it is found early enough. It is also possible that lyme disease symptoms may persist for weeks or months after the bacteria has been killed. The symptoms of lyme disease in women are more difficult to detect because of the infection’s response to the menstrual cycle, so it may take a doctor who is very experienced with lyme to make a proper diagnosis and provide you with any additional health tips you might need.

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