Lyme Science Blog

Facial Nerve Palsy in Children With Lyme Disease A child who suddenly develops facial drooping is often diagnosed with Bell’s palsy. In Lyme-endemic regions, however, Lyme disease is a common cause of facial nerve palsy in children. Recognizing Lyme-related facial palsy is important because treatment strategies differ from those used for idiopathic Bell’s palsy. Facial

PANS-, PANDAS-, and OCD-like Presentations in Children With Lyme Disease Some children with Lyme disease develop sudden behavioral or psychiatric symptoms that resemble pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS) or pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections (PANDAS). These symptoms may include anxiety, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, mood changes, and difficulty concentrating. Because these presentations involve changes

Can Lyme Disease Cause Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Children? Lyme disease can cause gastrointestinal symptoms in children, particularly when the infection affects the nervous system or contributes to dysautonomia. Although abdominal pain is not the most recognized sign of Lyme disease, some children develop nausea, appetite changes, abdominal discomfort, bloating, constipation, diarrhea, or unexplained stomach pain

When Lyme Arthritis in Children Is Mistaken for Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis When Lyme arthritis in children is mistaken for juvenile idiopathic arthritis, diagnosis and treatment can be delayed. Both conditions can present with swollen joints, minimal pain, and few systemic symptoms. Because the clinical features overlap, children living in Lyme-endemic areas may initially receive a

Herxheimer Reaction in Neonatal Lyme Disease: A Case Report A Jarisch-Herxheimer reaction (JHR) is a transient inflammatory response that can occur during antibiotic treatment of spirochetal infections. The reaction was first described in patients treated for syphilis but has also been reported in other spirochetal diseases including leptospirosis, relapsing fever, and Lyme disease. Jarisch-Herxheimer reactions

POTS in children with Lyme disease may present with dizziness, fatigue, brain fog, palpitations, and school difficulty. These symptoms are often overlooked as anxiety or behavioral problems rather than autonomic dysfunction.