The Symptoms of Lyme Disease

The Symptoms of Lyme Disease takes many form. But skins signs, arthrithis and various neurological symptoms are often presents. One sign of Lyme Disease is a rash, This rash called "EM" or Erythema Migrans. It begins as a small red spot and grow larger, creating a "bulls eye" or ring appereance. Some people with Lyme Disease may have many Red Spots. This rash may burn, hurt, or itch, or even you may not feel it.

Other Early synptoms and sign of Lyme Disease are Fever, Fatigue, Headache, Muscle and joint aches. In some people, early Lyme disease can spread to the heart or nervous system. If the Lyme Disease spreads to the heart, the person may feel an irregular or slow heartbeat and if It spreads to the nervous system, can cause the face to droop (A condition which called "Bell's Palsy").

The Incubation period from bite, infection and to symptoms is usually 1- 2 weeks, but can be much shorter (a couple of days), or even months to years.

Source : Wikipedia and American Academy of Family Physicians
Picture : www.healthofchildren.com

Neurological Symptoms Of Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted by the bite of an infected tick. It may cause a number of medical conditions. The disorder is often hard to diagnose because its symptoms and signs mimic those of many other diseases. In its early stage, Lyme disease may be a mild illness with flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, headaches, fatigue, muscle aches, and joint pain. Symptoms appear within 7 to 10 days following the infected tick's bite. Many people bitten by an infected tick develop a large, expanding skin rash around the area of the bite. The rash may feel hot to the touch, but is usually not painful. Rashes vary in size, shape, and color, but often have a "bull's eye" appearance (a red ring with a clear center). Nervous system abnormalities may include numbness, pain, Bell's palsy (paralysis of the facial muscles), and meningitis symptoms such as fever, stiff neck, and severe headache. Other problems, which may not appear until weeks, months, or years after a tick bite, include arthritis (especially in the knees) and heart problems.

Is there any treatment?

Lyme disease is treated with antibiotics under the supervision of a physician.

What is the prognosis?

Most individuals with Lyme disease respond well to antibiotics and have full recovery. In a few patients symptoms of persisting infection may continue or recur, requiring additional antibiotic treatment. Varying degrees of permanent joint or nervous system damage may develop in patients with late chronic Lyme disease. In rare cases, death may occur.

What research is being done?

The NINDS supports research on Lyme disease. Current areas of interest in research on the disorder include improving diagnostic tests and treatments, and finding an effective vaccine. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases also support research on Lyme disease.

Recommended Books:
Surviving Lyme Disease Using Alternative Medicine by David A. Jernigan
Outwitting Ticks : The Prevention and Treatment of Lyme Disease by Susan Carol Hauser
Everything You Need to Know About Lyme Disease and Other Tick-Borne Disorders by Karen Vanderhoof-Forschner

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Source: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892

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What is Lyme disease?

Lyme disease or lyme borreliosis is an infection caused by some kind of bacteria called Spirochete and most happened in North America and Europe. Lyme disease is the fastest growing infectious disease in United States. It is name after the town of Lyme, Connecticut where a cluster of cases was found in 1975. But, the first case of this disease was found in1909, where Europe was the place. Now this disease has been found almost in all continent in the world, as well as in Asia and southern part of America.

The Spirochete bacteria caused lyme disease through the bite of infected ticks. The common species which carried Spirochete bacteria are deer ticks and western black-legged ticks. These ticks can also spread the disease to animals and humans through bite.

So how big are these ticks? And where do they live? The ticks are about the size of sesame seed and they usually found close the ground, especially in moist, shaded area also in the woods or an area overgrown with grass and bushes. Lyme disease is most common happen in rural and sub urban areas.

The lyme disease can cause nervous system problem that trigger to loss of memory, muscle weakness, and trouble concentrating. Delayed or inadequate treatment may often lead to late stage lyme that is difficult to treat.

Source: Wikipedia and American Academy of Family Physicians