Lyme Science Blog

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

Mother Describes Challenges in Getting Treatment for Newborn with Lyme Disease A newborn with Lyme disease can present with subtle symptoms that are easy to overlook. In a published case report, a mother described the frightening experience of seeking treatment for her infant after noticing a tick and early signs of illness. Her account highlights

Cascade of Unnecessary Tests: When Lyme Goes Undiagnosed Cascade of care in Lyme disease often occurs when the correct diagnosis is missed. Patients with fatigue, neurologic symptoms, joint pain, or cognitive dysfunction may undergo extensive testing across multiple specialties before Lyme disease is considered. Instead of unnecessary tests triggering the cascade, the cascade begins because

Lyme Disease and Anesthesia: Key Considerations Before Surgery Undiagnosed Lyme disease can be missed Cardiac and neurologic involvement matters Anesthesia choices may affect outcomes Lyme disease and anesthesia require careful evaluation before surgery. Patients may have undiagnosed infection or organ involvement that can influence anesthetic decisions and perioperative care. In her article “Lyme Disease and

Lyme Carditis and Pacemaker Removal: When Is It Possible? High-degree heart block led to pacemaker placement Both patients were later treated for Lyme disease Pacemakers were successfully removed after recovery In their study, “Pacemaker Explantation in Patients With Lyme Carditis,” Wamboldt and colleagues describe two cases where permanent pacemakers were later removed following treatment for