Lyme Disease Symptoms
Symptoms of Lyme Disease
"What are the symptoms of Lyme Disease?" is a question that many people are seeking. Well Lyme Disease has a myriad of symptoms which is why it is often difficult to diagnose. If Lyme Disease is left untreated, it may progress from mild symptoms to serious, long-term disabilities. The three stages of Lyme Disease symptoms are as follows:The first stage of Lyme disease symptoms, called early localized stage, may include: a red-ringed bull's-eye rash which is the most well known symptom (Not all persons develop the initial Lyme disease rash contrary to popular belief). This skin rash appears within 1–2 weeks of infection but may develop up to 30 days after being bitten. The rash often has a characteristic "bull's-eye" appearance, with a red spot in the center surrounded by clear skin that is ringed by an expanding red rash. It may also appear as an expanding ring of solid redness. Aside from the bull's eye rash other early symptoms may include:
- swelling of the lymph glands near the tick bite
- fatigue
- headache
- aching
- joint pain
- chills
The second stage of Lyme disease symptoms, called early disseminated stage, may appear 4 weeks to 3 months after the tick bite, and may include:
- two or more areas of rash not at the site of the bite
- severe headache
- severe fatigue
- enlarged lymph nodes (commonly called glands)
- stiffness, especially in the joints and neck
- sensitivity to light
- facial paralysis (Bell's palsy)
- tingling in hands and feet
- numbness in extremities
- irregular heart rhythm
- fever of 100 to 102 degrees Fahrenheit (37.78 to 38.89 Celsius)
- meningitis
- Impaired motor coordination
The last stage of Lyme disease, called late stage, occurs in some untreated Lyme cases. Symptoms may appear weeks to years after an infectious tick bite. They can include:
- crippling arthritis, especially in the joints of the arms and legs
- memory lapses
- mild to moderate confusion
Having such a wide range of lyme disease symptoms can make the diagnosis of Lyme disease difficult for a doctor. Fortunately, a blood test that looks for evidence of the body's reaction to Lyme disease can help prove that the symptoms are caused by Lyme disease and not something else.
This site does not provide medical advice, and is for educational and informational purposes only. If you suspect that you are experiencing Lyme Disease symptoms, consult with a physician as soon as possible.