Lyme Science Blog

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

Negative Lyme Test but Still Sick? A Case of Delayed Diagnosis Symptoms persisted for years Testing was negative Diagnosis was delayed Treatment led to recovery Can you still have Lyme disease with a negative test? This case highlights how delaying consideration of Lyme disease can prolong symptoms—and how treatment can still lead to recovery. Negative

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

Sudden Behavioral Changes in Children? Could It Be Babesia or Bartonella Can tick-borne infections cause sudden psychiatric symptoms in children? In some cases, yes. Children may develop anxiety, rage, speech regression, or even suicidal thoughts—symptoms that are often misdiagnosed as primary psychiatric disorders. Emerging research suggests that Babesia and Bartonella co-infections may play a role

Homicide, two assaults, and suicide in Lyme disease patient The article entitled “A Fatal Case of Late Stage Lyme Borreliosis and Substance Abuse,”1 describes a patient exhibiting aggressiveness, violence, and homicidality. Like many Lyme disease patients, the man experienced a delay in diagnosis and treatment. (One study reports that subjects enrolling in a trial of