What are some symptoms of lyme disease?

Answer 1

In the case of Lyme disease, the agent is the pirochetal organism Borrelia burgdorferi. The primary disease vectors are ticks (Ixodes scapularis or Ixodes dammimi in the Eastern states; and the Ixodes pacificus in the western states.) The tick (Ixodes spp.), also known as the Deer tick can also carry the organism in other less disease prevalent areas. The vector has a two-host lifecycle that requires first the white-footed mouse as a host for the first two years, then it spends its third and final year on its definitive host, the deer. Therefore, familiarity with where these two host are present may suggest the possibility of infection. The first sign is usually flu like symptoms accompanied with joint pain. Typically, there are distinct phases: 1. Characteristically, the tick bite develops into a "bull's eye" skin lesion erthema migrans in about 70% to 80% of the cases; which, then, spreads as a rash. This initial phase may also show signs of nonspecific malaise, headache, aching joints (arthralgia), fever, myalgia, and regional lymphadenopathy. 2. Then, after a period of a few weeks, the organism develops through hermatogenous spread and my manifest as subtle encephalitis with headache and cognitive difficulties. Stiff neck and cranial neuropathy (including facial palsy) is common. The loss of the ability to coordinate muscular movement (Ataxia) may also be present, mimicking in some ways Bells palsy. Motor and sensory radiculoneuritis may also be present which may result in referred pain, numbness (especially in the lower legs). Further possible complications during the period are myelitis and visual disturbances because of the organism causing inflammation in the spinal cord and/or the bone marrow. This phase, in a significant number of cases, is associated with a disorder of the central nervous system caused by infection with a spirochete of the genus Borrelia. 3. Finally, the chronic phase, which may appear months after the initial infection. Common findings are Arthritis or inflammation in the joints (oligoarthritis) which typically affects the knee. Pain is usually out of proportion to the swelling, however. Musculoskeletal pain is also present, as well as, spinal radiculopathy with paresthesias, encephalopathy, and the symptom of fibromyalgia, commonly referred to as a chronic fatigue. This stage is associated with borreliosis, which in turn, may cause cardiac arrhythmias and even compromise the entire nervous system, and include respiratory distress. Lyme disease is generally considered diagnostically as a disease of last resort. Jim M. Roane, N.D. Naturopathic Solutions http://healthwatch.2knowtruth.com/

Answer 2

Symptoms of Lyme disease can include fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic skin rash called erythema migrans. In later stages, it can lead to joint pain, neurological problems, and heart palpitations. Early detection and treatment are important to prevent complications.

Answer 3

Lyme Disease has many symptoms including fever, sweats, chills, flushing, weight changes, fatigue and tiredness, swollen glands, sore throat, pelvic pain, urinary problems, loss of libido, upset stomach, stiffness in the joints, back and neck, muscle pain, cramps, twitching, headaches, tingling, numbness, burning and stabbing sensations, facial paralysis known as Bell's Palsy, double vision, blurry vision and floaters, ringing in ears, increased motion sickness and vertigo, lightheadedness, wooziness, poor balance, difficulty walking, tremors, confusion, difficulty thinking, difficulty concentrating, forgetfulness, poor short term memory, disorientation, difficulty writing and speaking, mood swings, irritability, depression, disturbed sleep, constipation, diarrhea, chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing, heart palpitations and more.

Answer 4

There are many possible symptoms of Lyme disease because it can affect every system of the human body. It usually starts with a bulls eye rash accompanied by fever and flu-like symptoms.

Left untreated, Lyme disease can cause much more serious problems, from Lyme Arthritis to muscle and joint pain, up to and including paralysis.

Lyme disease can cause problems with vision, including floaters. It can cause every type of muscle pain, inflammation of joints, muscle cramps, stabbing pain and burning sensations.

If you've been bitten by a tick and have experienced fever or any of the symptoms listed above or if you've felt "sick" in any way, see your doctor immediately. Tell your physician about the tick and your concerns about Lyme Disease.

Answer 5

The three main symptoms of Lyme disease are a rash, flu-like symptoms and joint pain. There are other symptoms that are more serious such as swelling in your brain, paralysis on one side of the face and heart problems.

Answer 6

The main symptom is lack of energy; a complete lack. You will be very tired and have many headaches, as well as a fever and chills. If your lymph nodes are swollen and you have muscle and joint pain, it means you have Lyme Disease.

Answer 7

Lyme disease is usually transmitted via a tick bite. It is a somewhat rare, but serious illness. With proper medical attention it is nothing to worry about. However, there are signs and symptoms to watch out for if you think you may have this condition.

Rashes and blemishes on the skin

One of the easiest symptoms you may notice is a rash or red bump on your skin. It starts out small, but over the course of a couple weeks the rash expands. It looks much like ringworm and is soft to the touch. If you notice a rash following a tick bite, examine your health to see if you may have any other symptoms of Lyme disease.

Problems with the central nervous system

Those who have contracted Lyme disease often notice a dulling of the senses. This is accompanied by a vulnerability of the appendages. In addition, you may notice impaired motion in your muscles. If you notice weakness in your muscles or paralysis in any part of your body, seek medical attention immediately.

Trouble breathing and lack of energy

Lyme disease saps energy from those who have contracted the condition. It attacks the heart and sinuses, which makes breathing difficult. This is often accompanied by inflammation of the heart muscles and arteries.

If you think you have this condition check your pulse. If it is irregular, too fast or too slow, you should call your doctor to have blood work done.

This guide should give you enough information to determine whether or not you may have Lyme disease. As with many other illnesses, the next step to take if you think you have contracted this condition is to seek help from you general physician. He or she can start you on a regimen of medication to nurture you back to good health.

Answer 8

Lyme disease is a big problem in many areas of the United States. It is essentially an illness that comes about as a result of being bitten by a deer tick that transmits bacteria to the individual. The disease carries a variety of different symptoms that can unfortunately be misdiagnosed as they rival those of other illnesses and disorders. The one thing to keep an eye out for if you have been in an area that is known to harbor ticks is a red ring that resembles a bullseye. This is a sure sign that you have been bitten.

Lyme disease symptoms manifest in a variety of ways and there are different stages of the condition. In the early stage, you will most likely experience symptoms that make it feel as though you have the flu. These include headaches, fatigue, fever, muscle, joint and overall body aches and even swollen lymph nodes. In the worst case scenario, the headaches you experience can actually be as severe as migraines.

Arthritis is a major symptom that many individuals suffering from Lyme disease experience. In fact, it is believed by many experts that rheumatoid arthritis can actually be developed in many people who have the illness. There is a deep seated pain as well as swelling within the joints that can last for a few days or even several months when treatment is not sought.

Chronic fatigue syndrome also tends to strike people who have Lyme disease. A feeling of listlessness, no energy and overall malaise can overtake the body of someone who has Lyme disease, and it is believed that the condition strikes many who have been bitten by a deer tick.

Later stage Lyme disease symptoms can be far more severe as you can experience neurological changes within the body. These can include paralysis in facial muscles that mimic Bell's palsy, poor coordination, memory loss and even meningitis, which can be fatal if left untreated. People who are suffering from later stages of Lyme disease can even experience problems with their hearts, such as arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat. However, seeing a doctor and receiving medical treatment that includes antibiotics should clear up all symptoms within a short period of time.

Answer 9

Lyme Disease is an infection caused when a tick bites an animal that is infected with the bacteria that causes Lyme Disease and the tick bites you. If you get Lyme Disease and you don't receive treatment, it can worsen and progress into more serious stages which may cause long-term disabilities.

There are three stages of Lyme Disease. Early Localized Lyme Disease is the first stage. About 50 percent of people with Lyme Disease notice a rash that is round and grows larger with time during the first stage of the infection. Others may have no rash and no symptoms during this stage. It is also common to have symptoms similar to the flu, lack of energy, headache, stiff neck, fever, chills, muscle and joint pain, and swollen lymph nodes. These symptoms are typically seen within the first four weeks after receiving the bite.

The Second stage of Lyme Disease is called Early Disseminated Lyme Disease. These symptoms are seen one to four months after the initial bite. If Lyme Disease is allowed to progress, it may cause damage to the skin, nervous system, heart, and joints. Symptoms during stage two include lack of energy, skin rashes in several places on the body, pain, weakness, or numbness in the limbs, paralysis of facial muscles, headaches, fainting, poor memory, lack of concentration, conjunctivitis or pink eye, palpitations and serious heart problems. It is extremely important to get treated for Lyme Disease if you have any of these symptoms to avoid permanent damage to the body.

If you do not receive treatment for Lyme Disease, it can progress to stage three, Late Persistent Lyme Disease. This stage can cause damage to the brain, joints, and nerves, and may be irreversible. Symptoms of this stage include inflammation of the joints, numbness or tingling in hands and feet, severe fatigue, facial nerve paralysis, neurological damage, chronic Lyme arthritis, which involves recurring swelling and fluid build up in the joints lasting up to 6 months at a time, and heart, nervous system, and joint problems.

If you have any of these signs or symptoms, please visit your local health care provider as soon as possible. Lyme Disease can cause serious damage to the body if it is left untreated for too long.

Answer 10

Lyme disease may mimic other conditions, including chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS), multiple sclerosis (MS), and other diseases with many symptoms involving multiple body systems