Lyme Science Blog

Lyme Disease Brachial Plexopathy: Arm Weakness and Radicular Pain ARM WEAKNESS SHOCK-LIKE PAIN? COULD THIS BE LYME DISEASE? Lyme disease brachial plexopathy can present as progressive arm weakness, neck pain, and shock-like pains radiating from the shoulders. A 76-year-old man developed left arm weakness following what he believed was a mosquito bite. He was initially […]

Why Are Doctors Reluctant to Treat Lyme Disease? Why are doctors reluctant to treat Lyme disease? Many clinicians face regulatory pressure, professional stigma, insurance barriers, and the clinical complexity of managing persistent Lyme symptoms. Doctors may be reluctant to treat Lyme disease when symptoms persist beyond standard treatment—especially when care requires time-intensive, individualized evaluation. These

Are Lyme disease patients at greater risk for developing severe COVID-19? A new study looks at the risk of severe COVID-19 in patients with a history of exposure to Lyme disease. In their study “Correlation between COVID-19 severity and previous exposure of patients to Borrelia spp.,” Szewczyk‑Dąbrowska et al.² examined 3 groups of patients: those

Babesia Asplenia: Why Standard Treatment Often Fails The spleen clears infected blood cells Without it, infection persists longer Standard treatment is often not enough Quick Answer: Babesia asplenia cases are high risk because the spleen is essential for clearing infected red blood cells. Without it, patients often require extended treatment and face higher relapse risk.

Illinois clinicians demonstrate gaps in understanding of tick-borne co-infections Carson and colleagues surveyed clinicians between August 2020 and February 2022 and reported their findings in the article “Knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Illinois medical professionals related to ticks and tick-borne disease.” ¹ The respondents included RNs (61.3%), physicians (21.4%), and APNs/PAs (17.3%). The authors found

Powassan Virus Encephalitis: Symptoms and Risks After a Tick Bite Powassan virus can affect the brain. Symptoms include confusion, weakness, and speech problems. Early recognition is critical. Powassan virus encephalitis is a rare but serious tick-borne infection that can cause inflammation of the brain. Powassan virus is a rare tick-borne infection that can rapidly affect

3 Benefits of Telemedicine for Lyme Disease Telemedicine for Lyme disease has expanded rapidly since the COVID-19 pandemic and may help improve early diagnosis and treatment. A study entitled “The Impact of Telemedicine in the Diagnosis of Erythema Migrans during the COVID Pandemic: A Comparison with In-Person Diagnosis in the Pre-COVID Era,” compared clinical data

Can Lyme Disease Cause Sudden Hearing Loss? When It May Be Reversible Can Lyme disease cause sudden hearing loss? In some cases, yes—and it can happen months or even a year after a tick bite. Sudden hearing loss, tinnitus, dizziness, or facial weakness may be signs of neurologic Lyme disease affecting the cranial nerves. This

Disulfiram for Lyme Disease: Benefits, Risks, and What to Know STILL SICK AFTER ANTIBIOTICS? HEARD ABOUT DISULFIRAM? WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS—AND THE RISKS? Disulfiram for Lyme disease has been explored as a potential treatment for persistent infection—but its benefits remain uncertain and side effects can be significant. “I’ve tried standard treatment—what else is out there?”

Stroke-Like Symptoms? Babesiosis Can Mimic a TIA Quick Answer: Babesiosis can cause confusion, slurred speech, and ataxia—symptoms that may mimic a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). Clinical Insight: When neurologic symptoms occur alongside fever or flu-like illness, clinicians should consider infection—not just a vascular event. Sudden confusion. Slurred speech. Trouble walking. Is it a