Lyme Science Blog

Lyme Arthritis vs Septic Arthritis in Children: Can MRI Help? Symptoms can overlap closely Children may appear seriously ill MRI may guide decisions Distinguishing Lyme arthritis from septic arthritis in children can be challenging because both conditions may present with fever, knee swelling, elevated inflammatory markers, and difficulty walking. Researchers examined whether MRI findings could […]

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

Does a History of Lyme Disease Increase the Risk of Severe COVID-19? Researchers found higher rates of Borrelia antibodies in hospitalized COVID-19 patients The findings suggest an association between prior tick-borne infections and severe COVID-19 The study does not establish causation A new study examined whether a history of Lyme disease or exposure to Borrelia

Babesia and Asplenia: Why Treatment May Take Longer Babesia infection may persist longer in patients without a spleen Parasitemia can remain despite standard treatment Careful follow-up may reduce relapse risk Babesia infection can be more severe and more difficult to clear in patients with asplenia. Without a functioning spleen, the body may have greater difficulty

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 Contracted During Winter Months Powassan virus can cause severe neurologic disease Tick exposure may occur outside typical seasons Early recognition may affect diagnosis and care Powassan virus encephalitis symptoms may include confusion, weakness, headaches, speech problems, and severe neurologic complications. Although uncommon, Powassan virus infection can occur outside typical tick seasons, including

Can Telemedicine Diagnose Lyme Disease Earlier and Prevent Complications? Telemedicine improved access to Lyme disease care Earlier diagnosis led to faster treatment Patients had fewer neurologic complications The 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,” compares clinical

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