Lyme Science Blog

Lyme Disease Co-Infections: Symptoms, Causes, and Why They Matter Lyme disease co-infections may complicate diagnosis and treatment Babesia, Bartonella, Ehrlichia, and Anaplasma may add overlapping symptoms Persistent or unusual symptoms may require broader evaluation Ticks carrying Lyme disease may also transmit additional infections known as co-infections. These infections can complicate symptoms, influence recovery, and sometimes […]

Powassan Encephalitis: How Fast Can a Tick Cause Brain Infection? Powassan encephalitis can develop rapidly after a tick bite. The virus may cause severe neurologic complications and long-term damage. Early recognition is critical because no specific treatment currently exists. This summer, a 9-year-old boy in Canada developed Powassan virus encephalitis, a life-threatening neurologic condition. In

Can Lyme Disease Cause Foot Pain? Lyme disease foot pain may mimic plantar fasciitis or tendonitis. Inflammation, neuropathy, and migratory pain can affect the feet and toes. Persistent or unexplained foot pain may warrant evaluation for Lyme disease. Can Lyme disease cause foot pain? Some patients with Lyme disease develop foot pain severe enough to

Why Treating Lyme Disease Is More Complex Than You Think Lyme disease treatment has changed dramatically over the years New infections, co-infections, and persistent symptoms complicated care Experience taught me that one treatment approach does not fit everyone When I first began treating Lyme disease, the treatment options were far more limited than they are

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 Some Lyme patients cannot tolerate doxycycline. Co-infections may complicate treatment decisions. Rifampin is sometimes considered in selected cases. Doxycycline has long been one of the most commonly prescribed antibiotics for Lyme disease. When I first began treating Lyme disease in 1987, doxycycline was frequently chosen because it

Can Lyme Disease Cause Jaw Pain? TMJ Symptoms Explained Can Lyme disease cause jaw pain? Yes. In some cases, Lyme disease can affect the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), causing inflammation that resembles a common temporomandibular disorder (TMD). When TMJ treatment fails, the underlying problem may not be mechanical—it may be infectious. For a broader overview of

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 Coinfections may occur after one tick exposure Multiple pathogens can complicate diagnosis and treatment Persistent symptoms may require broader evaluation A single tick bite may transmit more than one infection. Coinfections involving Lyme disease, babesiosis, and anaplasmosis can complicate diagnosis, worsen symptoms, and delay recovery—particularly in older adults.