Lyme disease Health Article

Signs and tests

A blood test can be done to check for antibodies to the bacteria that cause Lyme disease. The most commonly used is the ELISA for Lyme disease test. A western blot test is done to confirm ELISA results.

A physical exam may show joint, heart, or brain problems in people with advanced Lyme disease.

Treatment

Everyone who has been bitten by a tick should be watched closely for at least 30 days.

Most people who are bitten by a tick DO NOT get Lyme disease.

A single dose of antibiotics may be offered to someone soon after being bitten by a tick, if all of the following are true:

• The person has a tick that can carry Lyme disease attached to their body. This usually means that a nurse or physician has looked at and identified the tick.
• The tick is thought to have been attached to the person for at least 36 hours.
• The person can begin taking the antibiotics within 72 hours of removing the tick.
• The person is over 8 years old and is not pregnant or breastfeeding.

A full course of antibiotics is used to treat people who are proven to have Lyme disease. The specific antibiotic used depends on the stage of the disease and the symptoms.

See also:

• Stage 1 Lyme disease
• Stage 2 Lyme disease
• Stage 3 Lyme disease

Anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, are sometimes prescribed to relieve joint stiffness.

Expectations (prognosis)

If diagnosed in the early stages, Lyme disease can be cured with antibiotics. Without treatment, complications involving the joints, heart, and nervous system can occur.

Rarely, a person will continue having symptoms that can interfere with daily life. Some people call this post-Lyme disease syndrome. There is no effective treatment yet for this syndrome.

Complications

Advanced stages of Lyme disease can cause long-term joint inflammation (Lyme arthritis) and heart rhythm problems. Nervous system (neurological) problems are also possible, and may include:

• Decreased concentration
• Memory disorders
• Nerve damage
• Numbness
• Pain
• Paralysis of the face muscles
• Sleep disorders
• Vision problems

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if you have symptoms of Lyme disease.