Lyme Science Blog

Lyme Disease Co-Infections: Symptoms, Causes, and Why They Matter Ticks can carry more than one infection Co-infections may worsen symptoms Diagnosis and treatment become more complex Quick Answer: Lyme disease co-infections occur when a tick transmits multiple pathogens, such as Babesia, Bartonella, or Ehrlichia. These infections can worsen symptoms, complicate diagnosis, and require different treatment […]

Powassan Encephalitis: How Fast Can a Tick Cause Brain Infection? INFECTED TICK BITE—MINUTES, NOT DAYS? POWASSAN VIRUS CAN CAUSE RAPID BRAIN INFECTION A child returns from a camping trip. Within days, he develops fever, headache, and neck stiffness. Soon after, he becomes nonverbal and requires ICU care. Could a tick bite cause this—so quickly? Quick

Is It Lyme Disease? Unexpected Symptoms That May Be Missed UNEXPECTED LYME PRESENTATIONS? WHEN SYMPTOMS DON’T FIT THE TEXTBOOK Lyme disease does not always look like a rash, fever, or swollen knee. Sometimes it begins with symptoms that seem unrelated—foot pain, dizziness, palpitations, vision changes, tinnitus, or unexplained fatigue. That is why Lyme disease can

Lyme Disease Treatment: What Antibiotics Are Used? TREATMENT OPTIONS? WHICH ANTIBIOTICS WORK FOR LYME DISEASE? Lyme disease is treated with antibiotics such as doxycycline, ceftriaxone (Rocephin), and combination therapies in more complex cases. Some patients may also require treatment for co-infections like Babesia using medications such as atovaquone (Mepron). Treatment depends on symptoms, stage of

Lyme Disease Without a Positive Test: A Delayed Diagnosis Case Persistent symptoms were dismissed for years Negative testing delayed consideration of Lyme disease Treatment for Lyme and Babesia led to significant improvement My patient took a “bury-your-head-in-the-sand” approach toward Lyme disease, which ultimately delayed treatment and prolonged his suffering. He had been ill for more

Rifampin for Lyme Disease: When Doxycycline Isn’t Enough DOXYCYCLINE— NOT ENOUGH? WHEN RIFAMPIN MAY HELP What happens when doxycycline isn’t enough to treat Lyme disease? Doxycycline has long been a first-line treatment for Lyme disease due to its effectiveness against both Borrelia burgdorferi and certain co-infections. Quick Answer: Rifampin may be considered in select Lyme

Can Lyme Disease Cause Jaw Pain? TMJ Arthritis and Misdiagnosis Can Lyme disease cause jaw pain? Yes. In some cases, Lyme disease can affect the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), causing inflammation that mimics a common temporomandibular disorder (TMD). When TMJ treatments don’t work, the underlying cause may not be mechanical—it may be infection. Key Insight: Lyme

Can You Get Ticks from Pets? Can you get ticks from pets? Yes—and many people are exposed to ticks inside their own homes without realizing it. Dogs and cats can carry ticks indoors, where they may crawl onto furniture, bedding, or directly onto household members. This can increase the risk of tick bites—even if you

Can Lyme Disease Cause Memory Loss and Amnesia? Memory problems can occur in Lyme disease. One patient developed severe autobiographical amnesia. Researchers explored a possible link with PTLDS. Patients with Lyme disease frequently report cognitive symptoms including brain fog, slowed processing, concentration problems, and memory difficulties. In a recent case report, investigators described a 41-year-old

One Tick Bite Caused 3 Tick-Borne Diseases One tick bite can transmit multiple infections. Babesia, Lyme disease, and anaplasmosis may occur together. Coinfections can complicate diagnosis and treatment. A woman with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and high blood pressure was hospitalized with shortness of breath, fatigue, altered mental status, and cough productive of yellow