Lyme disease progresses through different stages with varying and sometimes overlapping symptoms. Symptoms include the following:
These symptoms typically occur within 3-32 days of a tick bite.
Rash Many infected people first notice a red rash, known as erythema migrans (EM). The rash starts as a small red spot at the site of the tick bite and expands over a period of days or weeks, forming a circular- or oval-shaped rash. The rash often resembles a bulls eye: a red ring surrounding a clear or bluish area with a red center. The size of the rash can range from dime-sized to the entire width of a persons back. More than one ring may develop. Typically, the rash goes away within four weeks.
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Although Lyme disease is often associated with this rash, many people do not have the rash right away or at all. Or they may have a red rash, without the bull's eye pattern. If you have other symptoms that you think might be due to Lyme disease, see your doctor; do not wait for a rash to appear.
Flu-like Symptoms Muscle and joint aches, headache, fever (100-103), stiff neck, swollen glands, and fatigue may occur with or without the rash. These symptoms usually last about 5-21 days.
Early Wide-spread Infection
Multiple EM Lesions The rash may appear in several places on the body
Arthritis Sometimes joint pain is the first symptom that is noticed. Other joint problems include stiffness and swelling, particularly in the large joints such as the knee, elbow, and shoulder.
Nervous System Problems The bacteria can affect the brain, spinal cord, and other nerves of the body. Symptoms of this include:
Weakness and drooping of the face and eyelid on one side ( Bells palsy )
Low back pain
Wide-spread numbness, tingling, and burning
Impaired motor coordination
Persistent headache
Stiff neck
Mood changes
Difficulty concentrating or sleeping
Generalized weakness
Eye Problems such as conjunctivitis (redness and inflammation)
Other Body Systems Affected areas may include the heart, liver, lymph nodes, testes, and eyes.
Note: All symptoms of early manifestation usually occur with the first rash or within about six weeks of it. They may go away on their own within a few weeks or months.
Late Infection
Joint pain Painful inflammation of the joints, as well as intermittent or chronic arthritis.
Chronic Nervous System Problems These may include:
Memory problems, including dementia
Depression or other emotional problems
Sleep disorder
Nerve pain or problems
Chronic Skin Problems This can include thinning, thickening, or discoloration of the skin, usually of the hands and feet
References:
American Lyme Disease Foundationwebsite. Available at: http://www.aldf.com/ .
Lyme Disease Foundationwebsite. Available at: http://www.lyme.org/ .
National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseaseswebsite. Available at: http://www3.niaid.nih.gov/ .
Last reviewed January 2007 by Jill D. Landis, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
