Lyme disease, caused by the bacteria, Borrelia burgdorferi, was first diagnosed in 1975 when a group of people in Lyme CT were diagnosed with similar symptoms. Borrelia burgdorferei, carried by deer ticks, is now the most common insect-borne infection in the United States. Symptoms of Lyme disease go far beyond the typical bulls-eye rash.
Early Symptoms of Lyme Disease; Recognizing the Bulls-Eye Rash
The rash of Lyme disease, medically called erythema migrans, appears in around 70 to 80 percent of people. The rash starts with a small red bump that grows and spreads over a few days, usually beginning a week or so after the tick bite. The rash expands up to twelve inches, although six inches is more typical. The rash resembles a bulls-eye because of the alternating red bands with paler bands. The rash lasts for several weeks.
Disseminated Stage Lyme Disease Symptoms: Nerve Pain, Joint Symptoms, Bell's Palsy
Once B. burgdorferi begins to spread through the body, flu-like symptoms, with fever, chills, malaise and overall achiness begin. Smaller erythema migrans rashes may appear on different parts of the body. Joint symptoms, which often affect the large joints like knees, can cause swelling and pain.
Nerve pain develops in around 15 percent of people, the Merck Manual states, with headache, stiff neck and possibly Bell’s palsy, a weakness or droop to one side of the face. Tingling and numbness may also affect the extremities in this stage. An irregular heartbeat or inflammation around the heart affects fewer than 10 percent of people.
Late Stage Lyme Disease Symptoms: Neurological Problems, Joint Pains
Late stage symptoms appear months to years after the initial infection if the infection wasn’t adequately treated when it first appeared. Pain in the joints, especially the knees, recurs; joints may be very swollen and hot to the touch. Ten percent of people suffer arthritic pain for six months or more. Neurological problems such as short-term memory loss, confusion, and inability to concentrate or carry out activities of daily living can occur in some people.
ELISA and Western Blot Blood Tests to Diagnose Lyme Disease
Since symptoms vary from person to person, doctors often use a screening blood test called an ELISA to check for antibodies to the bacteria. Antibodies develop in 95 percent of people who have had Lyme disease for more than a month, Merck states, but once exposed, antibodies persist in the blood and aren’t diagnostic of a current infection. A Western blot test, which analyzes antibodies to several different proteins of B burgdorferi, helps confirm the diagnosis, the Mayo Clinic states.
Staying Calm and Realistic About the Odds of Developing Lyme After a Tick Bite
All rashes that occur after a tick bite are not Lyme disease. Ticks must attach for up to 36 to 48 hours before the bacteria are transmitted, the American Lyme Disease Foundation explains. Many people have an allergic reaction to the tick bite that cause a red rash within a day or so that lasts up to a week, then disappears. This is not a Lyme disease rash; it’s just an allergic reaction. Every tick bite does not require antibiotic treatment, although some doctors give one dose of antibiotics within 72 hours of a documented tick bite.
Sources:
American Lyme Disease Foundation: Lyme Disease; August 10, 2010
MayoClinic.com: Lyme Disease; Accessed August 10, 2010
Merck Manual Online: Lyme Disease; Accessed August 10, 2010
Sharon Perkins - Sharon is an RN with over 20 years experience in maternal child health, oncology, and ophthalmology. She was the RN coordinator for an ...
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