Lyme Disease

Lyme disease, the most common tick borne disease is a bacterial infection caused by Borrelia burgdorferi transmitted to the humans by the bite of ticks. It may affect nervous system, musculoskeletal system and cardiovascular system. Lyme disease is called “The Great Imitator” because its symptoms imitate many other diseases. The ticks that cause Lyme disease are small sized, about the size of the head of a pin. They can be found anywhere on the body, but are found more commonly to areas such as the scalp and groin.

Symptoms

Different Symptoms occur in different stages of Lyme disease.

Localized Early Stage– Few weeks after the bite of tick, a small red rash (Erythema migrans) appears. Rash expands with time and forms a circle. Rashes can appear at different places in body as the infection spreads.

Early Disseminated Stage– flu like symptoms i.e., fever, headache, stiff neck, body and joint aches, and fatigue predominates in this stage.

Late Stage– In the late stage following symptoms predominates.

• Arthritis– If the disease in not treated properly there is recurrence of attacks arthritis mostly in knee which lasts for few days to few months.
• Neurological symptoms like neck stiffness and severe headache (meningitis), Bell’s palsy (temporary paralysis of muscles in the face), numbness, pain or weakness in the limbs, or uncoordinated movements.
• Cardiac symptoms-Palpitations, fainting, chest pain, and shortness of breath may develop in few people with Lyme disease.