Lyme Disease Symptoms
Lyme disease symptoms, called early localized stage, may include: - a red-ringed bull's-eye rash is the most well known symptom (Not all persons develop the initial skin rash contrary to popular belief)
- swelling of the lymph glands near the tick bite
- fatigue
- headache
- achiness
- joint pain
- chills
The second stage of Lyme disease symptoms, called early disseminated stage, may appear 4 weeks to 3 monthy 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 or numbness in the 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:
- 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.
