Lyme disease is a multi-stage systemic infectious disease (stages detailed below) most often spread by ticks. Effects can range from mild flu-like symptoms to debilitating chronic illness depending on when treatment is first administered.
For a more detailed description and history of
Lyme Disease visit our What is Lyme? page.
Stage 1
early localized infection.
(The First Month)
The infection is not yet widespread throughout the body.
Stage 2
early disseminated infection.
(1 to 4 Months)
The bacteria have begun to spread throughout the body.
Stage 3
late persistent infection or chronic Lyme disease.
The bacteria have spread throughout the body.
* * * * * * * * * * * *
Symptoms:
The Tick Bite
Fewer than 50% recall a tick bite or get/see the rash.
The classic Erythema Migrans or "bulls-eye"
may only be seen in about 30% to 60% of cases.
Rash at site of bite
Rashes on other parts of your body
Rash basically circular, oval and spreading out (more generalized)
Raised rash, disappearing and recurring
Head, Face, Neck
Rashes on other parts of your body
Rash basically circular, oval and spreading out (more generalized)
Raised rash, disappearing and recurring
Head, Face, Neck
Unexplained hair loss
Headache, mild or severe, Seizures
Pressure in head, white matter lesions in brain (MRI)
Twitching of facial or other muscles
Facial paralysis (Bell's Palsy, Horner's syndrome)
Tingling of nose, (tip of) tongue, cheek or facial flushing
Stiff or painful neck
Jaw pain or stiffness
Dental problems (unexplained)
Sore throat, clearing throat a lot,
phlegm (flem), hoarseness, runny nose
Eyes/Vision
Double or blurry vision
Increased floating spots
Pain in eyes, or swelling around eyes
Oversensitivity to light
Flashing lights/Peripheral
waves/phantom images in corner of eyes
Ears/Hearing
Decreased hearing in one or both ears, plugged ears
Increased floating spots
Pain in eyes, or swelling around eyes
Oversensitivity to light
Flashing lights/Peripheral
waves/phantom images in corner of eyes
Ears/Hearing
Decreased hearing in one or both ears, plugged ears
Buzzing in ears
Pain in ears, oversensitivity to sounds
Ringing in one or both ears
Digestive and Excretory Systems
Pain in ears, oversensitivity to sounds
Ringing in one or both ears
Digestive and Excretory Systems
Diarrhea
Constipation
Irritable bladder (trouble starting, stopping) or Interstitial cystitis
Upset stomach (nausea or pain) or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)
Musculoskeletal System
Bone pain, joint pain or swelling, carpal tunnel syndrome
Stiffness of joints, back, neck, tennis elbow
Muscle pain or cramps, (Fibromyalgia)
Respiratory and Circulatory Systems
Shortness of breath, can't get full/satisfying breath, cough
Chest pain or rib soreness
Night sweats or unexplained chills
Heart palpitations or extra beats
Endocarditis, Heart blockage
Neurologic System
Tremors or unexplained shaking
Burning or stabbing sensations in the body
Fatigue, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Weakness,
peripheral neuropathy or partial paralysis
Pressure in the head
Numbness in body, tingling, pinpricks
Poor balance, dizziness, difficulty walking
Increased motion sickness
Lightheadedness, wooziness
Psychological Well-being
Mood swings, irritability, bi-polar disorder
Unusual depression
Disorientation (getting or feeling lost)
Feeling as if you are losing your mind
Over-emotional reactions, crying easily
Too much sleep, or insomnia
Difficulty falling or staying asleep
Narcolepsy, sleep apnea
Panic attacks, anxiety
Mental Capability
Memory loss (short or long term)
Confusion, difficulty in thinking
Difficulty with concentration or reading
Going to the wrong place
Speech difficulty (slurred or slow)
Stammering speech
Forgetting how to perform simple tasks
Reproduction and Sexuality
Loss of sex drive
Sexual dysfunction
Unexplained menstral pain, irregularity
Unexplained breast pain, discharge
Testicular or pelvic pain
Sexual dysfunction
Unexplained menstral pain, irregularity
Unexplained breast pain, discharge
Testicular or pelvic pain
General Well-being
Phantom smells
Unexplained weight gain, loss
Extreme fatigue
Swollen glands/lymph nodes
Unexplained fevers (high or low grade)
Continual infections (sinus, kidney, eye, etc.)
Symptoms seem to change, come and go
Pain migrates (moves) to different body parts
Early on, experienced a "flu-like" illness,
after which you have not since felt well.
Low body temperature
Allergies/Chemical sensitivities
Increased effect from alcohol and possible worse hangover
Below is a highly detailed printable symptom checklist that you can bring along with you to your next doctor's appointment if you think that you may have Lyme disease.
Unexplained weight gain, loss
Extreme fatigue
Swollen glands/lymph nodes
Unexplained fevers (high or low grade)
Continual infections (sinus, kidney, eye, etc.)
Symptoms seem to change, come and go
Pain migrates (moves) to different body parts
Early on, experienced a "flu-like" illness,
after which you have not since felt well.
Low body temperature
Allergies/Chemical sensitivities
Increased effect from alcohol and possible worse hangover
Below is a highly detailed printable symptom checklist that you can bring along with you to your next doctor's appointment if you think that you may have Lyme disease.
