Lyme Science Blog

Lyme Disease Diaphragm Paralysis: A Rare Cause of Breathing Problems Diaphragm paralysis as a complication of Lyme disease was first reported in 1986. Since then fewer than five cases of bilateral diaphragmatic paralysis from probable Lyme neuroborreliosis have been documented — making this a rare but important presentation to recognize. For a broader overview of […]

Lyme Carditis Causing Chest Pain and High-Grade AV Block Lyme carditis can affect the heart’s electrical system. Chest pain and shortness of breath may signal cardiac complications. A young woman developed persistent high-grade AV block after Lyme disease. Lyme carditis can present with chest pain, shortness of breath, heart rhythm abnormalities, and high-grade atrioventricular (AV)

Lyme Meningitis Symptoms: Can Lyme Disease Cause Meningitis? Lyme disease can cause meningitis in some patients Confusion, weakness, fatigue, and cognitive changes may occur Neurologic Lyme disease should remain in the differential diagnosis Lyme meningitis symptoms can include headache, fatigue, weakness, confusion, neurologic changes, and sometimes dementia-like symptoms. In some cases, Lyme disease may present

Borrelia antibodies found in patients with coronary heart disease How many patients who underwent surgery for coronary heart disease (CHD) had evidence of a prior infection with Borrelia burgdorferi (the bacterium which causes Lyme disease)? A study by Pietruszka and colleagues, “Serologic Status of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato in Patients with Cardiovascular Changes,” sought to

Can Lyme Disease Trigger Autoimmune Disease Like Lupus? Can infection trigger autoimmunity? In rare cases, Lyme disease may contribute to immune dysregulation. Lupus-like symptoms can sometimes emerge after infection. Lyme disease may trigger autoimmune disease in some patients, including conditions such as lupus. In rare cases, infection with Borrelia burgdorferi may contribute to immune dysregulation

Lyme Carditis and Heart Block: A Case You Don’t Want to Miss Can Lyme disease affect the heart? It can cause sudden heart block. Even in young, otherwise healthy patients. Lyme carditis heart block is a serious complication that can develop rapidly—and may be missed if symptoms are nonspecific. Lyme carditis often presents with symptoms

Lyme Disease and Vision Loss: When It Mimics Giant Cell Arteritis Sudden vision loss is a medical emergency. But the cause is not always clear. This is where Lyme disease can be missed. Lyme disease can cause vision problems, including rare cases of sudden vision loss—sometimes mimicking other serious conditions such as giant cell arteritis

Lyme Disease in Canada: Symptoms, Neurologic Cases, and Regional Trends Neurologic Lyme disease cases increased over time. Bell’s palsy and arthritis affected both children and adults. Regional differences emerged across Canada. Lyme disease in Canada presents with a broad range of symptoms, including erythema migrans rashes, neurologic complications, Lyme arthritis, and cardiac involvement, according to

Bartonella and Lyme Disease Mimicking ALS and MS: A Misdiagnosis Case Bartonella and Lyme disease mimicking ALS and MS is a recognized clinical challenge, particularly when neurologic symptoms worsen while testing remains inconclusive. For an overview, see Bartonella. In their article, “Bartonella- and Borrelia-Related Disease Presenting as a Neurological Condition Revealing the Need for Better

RMSF in Pregnancy Without Rash: A Missed Diagnosis Risk No rash. No tick bite Symptoms escalate quickly Diagnosis is often delayed Quick Answer: RMSF in pregnancy can occur without a rash or known tick bite. Atypical presentations may delay diagnosis, increasing the risk of severe complications if treatment is not started promptly. RMSF in pregnancy