Lyme disease is an illness caused by a tick bite. In the United States, the deer tick is the most frequent carrier of Lyme disease. These tiny ticks are no larger than a pin head. However, the long range symptoms of Lyme disease can be serious.
Significance
Lyme disease is contracted when a person is bitten by an infected deer tick. The most recognizable sign is a red bull's eye rash at the site of the bite. The rash can appear as quickly as in a day or two or may not appear until a month later.
Effects
Signs, symptoms, and long term effects vary from person to person because different body parts and organs are affected. The sooner the treatment begins the better.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms include a rash, flu-like symptoms, joint pain (frequently in the knees), facial paralysis, numbness, muscle weakness and limited movement in the limbs.
Treatment
The first treatment includes a course of antibiotics for 14 to 21 days. In advanced Lyme disease, intravenous antibiotics may be administered for 14 tp 28 days, and recovery may take a long time. Complications from intravenous therapy includes a low white blood count, gallstones, and diarrhea.
Long-Term Effects
Muscle pain, weakness, and impaired movement can be presents for years in untreated Lyme disease. Changes in mood, sleep, concentration, and memory loss can occur in late stages of Lyme disease.
Warning
Less common but reported symptoms of late stage Lyme disease include irregular heartbeat, eye infections, hepatitis, and extreme fatigue.
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