| By :
Patricia Strasser
Lyme disease presents a number of symptoms, some of which may be not specific. The symptoms are divided according to 3 stages: the early localized infection, the early disseminated infection, and the late persistent infection. Lyme disease, a condition caused by a bacteria of the genus Borrelia that is transmitted by tick bites, presents multiple symptoms because it affects different areas of the body while it progresses. Early identification is vital if you want to be cured of this disease. If left untreated, the condition may evolve into much more serious neurological problems, so immediate medical care must be given. Be familiar with the following different symptoms of the disease: Stage 1: early localized infection During stage 1, the usual noticeable sign of an early local infection is the presence of erythema chronicum migrans, which is a circular rash found on the site about 3-30 days after the bite. Erythema means redness and appears as a rash that is reddish and is usually warm. The rash may be painless. In most cases, the outer portions remain reddish while the central part becomes dark red and indurated. This classic sign is said to occur in about 80% of cases. Also noted during this stage are flu-like symptoms like headache, body malaise, fever, and muscle cramps. In some cases, the disease may progress into the next stage without the appearance of the rash. Stage 2: early disseminated infection In stage 2, the bacteria may begin to migrate and spread through the bloodstream within days to weeks after the appearance of the rash. The classic rash may appear on areas of the body far away from the tick bite site. Patients may complain of symptoms like migrating joint and muscle pains, palpitations, and vertigo due to fluctuations in heartbeat rate. It is also in this stage where neurological problems may start to arise. These include facial paralysis, meningitis, and radiculoneuritis. Memory loss and disturbance in sleeping patterns may result in mild encephalitis. Mood swings may be also noted. Stage 3: late persistent infection If continuously left untreated for several months, the disease may progress into stage 3. In worst cases, Paraplegia or impairment of motor or sensory functions of the lower extremities may be reported. Chronic neurological complaints may also be noted. Polyneuropathy with shooting pains, numbness, and tingling of the extremities may be present as well. Chronic encephalomyelitis may develop too and causes cognitive impairment, weakness in the legs which may result in an awkward gait and motion, bladder disorders, and back pains. In extremely rare case, the disease may also result in frank psychosis. Other symptoms noted are anxiety, panic attacks, somatoform and other delusional behaviors. The patient then eventually gets out of touch with reality. It should also be noted that in places where the disease is endemic, the risk of acquiring the disease may only be as low as 1% to 3%. Most cases of the disease are reported during the summer time. Places in the US where this disease is reported are in the Northeastern US and include the New England area, the great lakes region. The northern Pacific coast region is another place where the disease is often reported.
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