Lyme Science Blog

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 Disulfiram is studied for persistent Lyme disease symptoms. Early laboratory and clinical reports generated interest, but side effects can be significant. Careful risk-benefit discussions and individualized treatment decisions remain important. Disulfiram, originally approved as a treatment for alcohol dependence under the brand name Antabuse, has

Stroke-Like Symptoms? Babesiosis Can Mimic a TIA Babesiosis can cause confusion, slurred speech, and ataxia—symptoms that may mimic a stroke or transient ischemic attack (TIA). 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. In some cases, these symptoms may not

Lyme Disease in a Newborn: A Mother’s Experience Seeking Care A mother describes the challenges of caring for her newborn with Lyme disease. Hospitalization and PICC-line treatment created additional stress during COVID-19. The experience changed how the family approached life outdoors. The mother saw a tick on her newborn daughter. “Three days later, she was

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 Surgery: Anesthesia Considerations Surgery may require additional planning Lyme disease can affect the heart and nerves Anesthesia decisions may need closer review Lyme disease and surgery may raise additional concerns when patients have cardiac, neurologic, or autonomic symptoms. Although many individuals with Lyme disease undergo procedures without complications, anesthetic planning may require

Lyme Carditis and Pacemaker Removal: Two Cases Lyme carditis can cause serious conduction abnormalities Two patients received permanent pacemakers during treatment Both later had successful pacemaker removal Lyme carditis can lead to cardiac arrhythmias and conduction abnormalities, most commonly atrioventricular (AV) block. Although temporary pacing is often preferred when possible, some patients receive permanent pacemakers

Lyme Meningitis and Hyponatremia: When SIADH Signals Neuroborreliosis Lyme meningitis can present with low sodium levels SIADH may complicate central nervous system infections Early recognition may prevent delayed diagnosis There are many causes of hyponatremia. Any disorder affecting the central nervous system, including infections, can trigger low sodium levels. However, only a limited number of

Lyme Disease or Rheumatoid Arthritis? How to Tell the Difference Lyme disease can mimic rheumatoid arthritis, causing joint pain, stiffness, swelling, and fatigue. But Lyme disease is driven by infection—not autoimmune inflammation. Joint pain. Morning stiffness. Fatigue. Is it rheumatoid arthritis—or could it be Lyme disease? These two conditions can look remarkably similar, yet the