Signs of Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is a disorder caused by bacterial infection. The bacteria enters humans through the bite of certain types of ticks, resulting in a characteristic three-phase progression of signs and symptoms as the infection spreads throughout the body. At any time in the disorder's progression, the infection can be effectively treated with antibiotics, though recognizing the infection's symptoms early can prevent the individual from suffering from some of the health problems Lyme disease can cause.

Aspects

Lyme disease was not identified until 1975, when a group of children living near Lyme, Connecticut were simultaneously diagnosed with what appeared to be rheumatoid arthritis. Medical researchers realized that although the symptoms the children experienced resembled rheumatoid arthritis, they were actually suffering from bacterial infections transmitted by bites from deer ticks harboring the spirochete bacteria known as Borrelia burgdorferi.

Initial Signs

In the initial stage of the disorder, the individual will develop a characteristic rash at the site of the tick bite. Known as erythema migrans, this rash often resembles a bull's eye, with an outer circle of bright redness surrounding a clear area containing the bite. The erythema migrans rash can develop as soon as a few days or as long as several weeks after the tick bite and is often accompanied by a persistent flu-like malaise: unusual tiredness, headaches, and stiff, sore joints and muscles.

Progressive Signs

Although the bright red erythema migrans rash fades within a month after developing, the bacteria continues to spread. The second characteristic phase of Lyme disease symptoms involves the development of neurological and cardiac system disorders. In the cardiac system, the spreading infection can cause heart tissue to become inflamed, resulting in abnormal heartbeats and possible cardiac system failure. In the neurological system, inflamed nerves can cause odd tingling sensations, the paralysis of certain muscles, and meningitis.

Late Disease Signs

When Lyme disease progresses into the latest stages, the symptoms become progressively more severe. Nerve damage continues to occur, further impairing motor and sensory functions. In addition, brain tissue can become inflamed, hindering neural functions. Inflammation in the joints becomes extreme. Often, the symptoms of joint stiffness and swelling can be virtually indistinguishable from chronic inflammatory arthritis.

Diagnosis

If a person infected with the disease is seen by a doctor when he still has the characteristic erythema migrans rash at the site of the bite, that alone can be enough for a positive diagnosis. Once the rash has faded, diagnosis becomes more difficult, usually requiring a blood test for Lyme disease antibodies.

References

• Center for Disease Control

Resources

• Lyme.org