Herxheimer reaction in a 13-year-old boy with Lyme disease
A Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction (JHR), also referred to as a Herxheimer reaction, was first described after initiating treatment for syphilis. This reaction is associated with the onset of new symptoms or a worsening of existing symptoms in patients receiving antibiotic treatment. The Herxheimer reaction has also been described in patients treated for leptospirosis, relapsing fever, and Lyme disease.
ALS or Lyme disease for a 63-year-old man?
Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a progressive motor neuron disease.“In July 2018, that is, within six months, he developed paraparesis of both arms and also suffered from cramps in the shoulder girdle and hand muscles,” wrote the authors. “By August 2018, the patient was severely impaired in everyday life activities.”I first read about this case by Wirsching and colleagues in the journal Clinical Case Reports. His spinal test was positive for Lyme disease a high white count and positive labs tests for Lyme disease. ...
9 ways COVID-19 and Lyme disease can look alike
COVID-19 and Lyme disease are two different diseases. Yet, COVID-19 and Lyme disease can look alike. There are 9 symptoms of COVID-19 that are also seen in Lyme disease.
Lyme disease mimics cellulitis skin infection
Lyme disease can mimic acute and chronic illness. In their article “Lyme Disease Mimics Postoperative Cellulitis,” the authors describe a patient who developed an abdominal rash, which was initially diagnosed as cellulitis, six days after a laparoscopic left salpingo-oophorectomy surgery. [1]
Should Lyme disease patients with an impaired immune system get the COVID-19 vaccine?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) posted mRNA COVID-19 vaccination considerations for people who have a weakened immune system. “People with HIV and those with weakened immune systems due to other illnesses or medication might be at increased risk for severe COVID-19.” [1] Individuals with Lyme disease, who may have an impaired immune system, have expressed concern over the vaccine.
A 61-year old woman who was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer followed by Lyme disease.
a 61-year old woman who was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer and later Lyme disease. The woman underwent a lumpectomy, chemotherapy and radiation. I first read about this case in the journal Diagnostics by Ørbæk and colleagues.One year later, she developed leg and back pain so severe that narcotics would not even alleviate her pain. There was no evidence of a recurrence of her cancer. She was diagnosed and treated for Lyme disease.You can hear more about these cases through his blogs, social media, and YouTube. Sign up for our newsletter to keep up ...
Can you have Lyme disease and not know it?
Ask the Lyme Doc series explores some of the most commonly asked questions about Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. Individuals can have Lyme disease and not know it for years, mistakenly attributing their symptoms to other illnesses or being misdiagnosed. This edition explores the question: How long can you have Lyme disease without knowing it?