An infectious condition, Lyme disease is caused by at least three separate bacteria species. In the United States, Borrelia burgdorferi is the bacteria primarily responsible for this disease. It is transferred to humans via ticks that are infected with the bacteria.
Early Signs
Early signs of Lyme disease include: headache, fever, fatigue and depression. A person with this condition may display some or all of these signs.
Skin Rash
Erythema migrans is a characteristic skin rash of those suffering from Lyme disease. This rash might appear as soon as a day after the tick bite or as long as a month later. It is the first visible sign of the presence of the bacteria.
Antibiotics
Early treatment of antibiotics for lyme disease many times alleviate the symptoms. However, this is not true in all cases. Sometimes fatigue, cognitive problems and sleep difficulties develop and are not relieved with antibiotics.
Delayed Treatment
When Lyme disease is not treated in the early stages, it may affect the heart, joints, eyes, brain and nervous system.
Progressed Symptoms
In the late stages of progressed Lyme disease, further disabling symptoms may arise including: bladder problems, facial palsy, vertigo and, in some rare cases, psychosis.
Tags: Lyme disease, Lyme disease