Lyme Science Blog

Lyme disease in kids is rising—and it’s not just a seasonal spike or a testing fluke. Pediatric cases are becoming more frequent, more complex, and often harder to diagnose. In some children, symptoms appear younger and progress faster. Others never get a classic rash. What’s driving this shift? What’s Driving the Increase in Pediatric Lyme? […]

When we talk about Lyme treatment risks, the conversation often stops at the potential downsides of antibiotics. But in chronic Lyme disease, the greater danger may be the risks of leaving the infection only partially treated. Understanding both sides of the equation is essential to making an informed decision. Risks of Antibiotic Treatment for Lyme

A patient came to my office in June with a bull’s-eye rash. “I checked myself after hiking,” she said, “but I never saw a tick.” She’d been bitten by a nymph — about the size of a poppy seed — but perfectly capable of transmitting Lyme disease. Her case was typical of what happens during

Why Elderly Lyme Disease Patients Face Unique Challenges Treating elderly Lyme disease patients presents a hidden challenge. Older adults bring unique vulnerabilities—cognitive changes, multiple chronic conditions, and increased sensitivity to medications—that standard treatment guidelines don’t fully address. Lyme disease treatment in elderly patients requires individualized care that balances infection control with age-related risks. Elderly patients

The topic of celebrities suffering with Lyme disease has made headlines for years. And with good reason. When Justin Bieber announced his Lyme diagnosis in January 2020, social media erupted — not with sympathy, but skepticism. Trolls accused him of making excuses for his appearance and behavior. His response? Medical records, lab results, and a

It’s not juvenile arthritis. It’s Lyme disease. At 16, Emma’s rheumatologist told her she’d likely need lifelong medication for juvenile arthritis. Six months later, antibiotics cured her completely. The diagnosis was wrong from the start — because Lyme disease can mimic symptoms of juvenile arthritis more often than most doctors realize. Emma came to my

Most people worry when they find a tick, but few realize that its size can change everything. Does a smaller tick mean lower risk — or greater danger? Yes and No. The size of the tick matters for the early detection of Lyme disease.  Understanding Tick Sizes Both nymph and adult ticks can transmit Lyme

When a Doctor Dismissed Lyme Disease Sometimes the hardest part of Lyme disease isn’t the infection itself — it’s what happens when a doctor dismisses Lyme disease before the patient truly recovers. This is one patient’s story. But it echoes thousands I’ve heard in my practice. He sat across from me, eyes tired but steady

A Common Question After Recovery After treatment for Lyme disease, many patients ask: Can I donate blood if I’ve had Lyme disease? The short answer: Lyme disease is not known to spread through blood transfusions. However, blood donation centers recommend waiting until you’ve finished treatment and remain symptom-free for a recovery period before donating. Why

Updated January 2026 to reflect current clinical understanding of cognitive symptoms and nervous system involvement in Lyme disease. Brain fog is one of the most common and frustrating symptoms reported by patients with Lyme disease. People describe slowed thinking, difficulty concentrating, word-finding problems, short-term memory lapses, and a feeling that their mind is working through