Lyme Science Blog

Atypical Symptoms of Lyme Disease: Numbness, Paresthesia, and Abdominal Wall Weakness NUMBNESS OR WEAKNESS WITH NO CLEAR CAUSE? LYME DISEASE MAY PRESENT ATYPICALLY “It started as back pain—then the numbness spread.” Lyme disease does not always present with fatigue, joint pain, or a rash. Quick Answer: Atypical Lyme disease symptoms can include numbness, paresthesia, and […]

Subacute Transverse Myelitis Caused by Borrelia Infection Subacute transverse myelitis is a rare but serious neurologic complication that can occur with Lyme disease. The condition results from inflammation of the spinal cord and can be triggered by infections, including Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterium responsible for Lyme disease. This rare complication falls within the broader spectrum

Can Lyme Disease Cause Heart Block in Young Adults? TOO YOUNG FOR HEART PROBLEMS? LYME CARDITIS MAY BE MISSED “They said it was anxiety—but his heart rate kept dropping.” Heart rhythm problems in young, otherwise healthy adults are often unexpected. But in some cases, the cause is not anxiety or stress—it’s Lyme disease affecting the

Can Lyme Disease Cause Depression in Teenagers? Is it depression alone? Or something being missed? Symptoms may have a medical cause Lyme disease can present this way Can Lyme disease cause depression in teenagers? Yes. In some cases, mood changes, cognitive decline, and academic struggles may reflect underlying Lyme disease rather than a primary psychiatric

Atypical Lyme Disease Symptoms That Complicate Diagnosis Atypical Lyme disease symptoms can make diagnosing the infection difficult. While many clinicians recognize the classic erythema migrans “bull’s-eye” rash, some patients develop unusual rashes or other atypical findings that delay recognition of Lyme disease. Lyme disease can present with a broad range of symptoms. Many are familiar

POTS Brain Fog in Lyme Disease: Why Cognitive Symptoms Worsen When Standing POTS brain fog is one of the most disabling symptoms reported by patients with postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome — and it is especially common in patients who also have Lyme disease. POTS brain fog in Lyme disease reflects measurable cognitive impairment linked to

Can Lyme Disease Cause Stomach Problems? Gastroparesis and GI Symptoms Explained Can Lyme disease cause stomach problems? Yes. In some cases, Lyme disease can disrupt the autonomic nervous system, leading to nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, reflux, and delayed stomach emptying known as gastroparesis. Key Insight: Severe gastrointestinal symptoms—including inability to eat—may reflect autonomic nerve dysfunction

Lyme Arthritis After Surgery: Five Reported Cases Lyme arthritis can develop after orthopedic surgery and may be mistaken for postoperative infection. In a review of the medical literature, Hess and colleagues describe five cases in which patients developed Lyme arthritis after joint procedures. Hess et al. reported these cases to highlight an important diagnostic challenge

Tick Bite During Pregnancy: What Should You Do? What should you do if you get a tick bite during pregnancy? This is a common and important concern. Lyme disease and other tick-borne infections can pose risks during pregnancy—but treatment decisions must balance maternal and fetal safety. There is no one-size-fits-all answer, and recommendations vary. For