Lyme Science Blog

Lyme Arthritis vs Septic Arthritis in Children: When MRI Can Prevent Unnecessary Surgery Symptoms can overlap closely Children may appear seriously ill Misdiagnosis can lead to surgery MRI may help guide decisions Distinguishing Lyme arthritis vs septic arthritis in children can be difficult. Both conditions may present with similar symptoms, leading to diagnostic uncertainty and, […]

Lyme Disease Brachial Plexopathy: Arm Weakness and Nerve Pain Brachial plexopathy may occur in Lyme neuroborreliosis. Arm weakness, radicular pain, and meningitis can overlap. Tick exposure may go unrecognized. Lyme disease brachial plexopathy is an uncommon neurologic presentation that may initially resemble cervical radiculopathy, peripheral neuropathy, or other nerve disorders. In one published case, a

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? Researchers examined whether prior Borrelia exposure correlated with severe COVID-19. Hospitalized COVID-19 patients were more likely to test positive for Borrelia antibodies. The authors emphasized that correlation does not prove causation. A new study looks at the risk of severe COVID-19 in patients with

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

Benefits of Telemedicine for Lyme Disease Telemedicine may help patients receive earlier evaluation and treatment. Virtual visits improved access to Lyme disease care. Researchers also found fewer neurologic complications. Telemedicine for Lyme disease expanded rapidly during the COVID-19 pandemic and may help improve diagnosis, treatment access, and care for patients with tick-borne illness. Telemedicine may

Can Lyme Disease Cause Sudden Hearing Loss and Facial Palsy? 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, facial weakness, or neck stiffness may reflect neurologic Lyme disease involving the cranial nerves and meninges. 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?”