Lyme Science Blog

How Do Ticks Move When Seeking a Meal? How do ticks move when seeking a meal? Ticks are often thought to simply wait for a host to brush past them, but research shows adult blacklegged ticks (Ixodes scapularis) may actively move toward nearby hosts once they detect them. Understanding how ticks move helps explain how […]

Bell’s Palsy in Children: 29% Had Lyme Disease in a UK Study A retrospective review examined 93 children with idiopathic facial nerve palsy, formerly called Bell’s palsy, who were evaluated at University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust between 2010 and 2017. Facial nerve palsy can be an early sign of Lyme disease in children. Very

Single-Dose Doxycycline After a Tick Bite A pharmacist-run clinic prescribing doxycycline for tick bite prophylaxis was described in a recent article by Portman, “Implementing a pharmacist-run Lyme disease postexposure prophylaxis clinic augmented by academic detailing within the Veterans Health Administration.”¹ Programs allowing pharmacists to prescribe doxycycline for tick bite prophylaxis may improve access to care

Long-Term Lyme Disease Symptoms: What Patients Experience Symptoms can persist after Lyme disease Fatigue, pain, and brain fog are common Patterns often fluctuate over time Many cases are misunderstood Long-term Lyme disease symptoms can persist in some patients even after standard treatment, affecting neurologic, musculoskeletal, and cognitive function. Quick Answer: Long-term Lyme disease symptoms may

CDC Lyme Disease Case Definition Often Misused Many physicians mistakenly rely on the CDC Lyme disease case definition when diagnosing patients with Lyme disease. Some clinicians require that patients meet these strict surveillance criteria before making a diagnosis. However, the CDC Lyme disease case definition was developed as a public health surveillance tool designed to

Doctor Who Treats Chronic Lyme: What to Look For Quick Answer: A doctor who treats chronic Lyme disease should recognize multi-system symptoms, consider clinical diagnosis, and evaluate patients beyond standard testing. Clinical Insight: Many patients struggle to find appropriate care because chronic Lyme symptoms often don’t fit a single diagnosis or standard framework. Why is

What Is Chronic Lyme Disease? STILL SICK AFTER TREATMENT? SYMPTOMS THAT COME AND GO? WHAT IS CHRONIC LYME DISEASE? Chronic Lyme disease refers to a multisystem illness with persistent or recurring symptoms following infection with Borrelia burgdorferi. Patients often describe fatigue, pain, cognitive dysfunction, and neurologic symptoms that continue long after initial infection—raising questions about

Lyme Disease Cluster at a North Carolina Camp A cluster of Lyme disease cases in children attending a wilderness camp in North Carolina highlights the growing risk of Lyme disease in the southern United States. The number of tick-borne diseases, including Lyme disease, has been steadily rising as tick populations expand into new territories. One

Why Lyme Disease Symptoms Persist Long-term Lyme disease symptoms may arise from a complex interaction between infection, immune response, and inflammation. Many patients continue to experience fatigue, pain, and cognitive symptoms months or years after initial infection. These symptoms are often difficult to explain through standard testing alone. Understanding the underlying mechanisms—rather than focusing on

Breast Cancer and Lyme Disease: When Symptoms Should Not Be Ignored Breast cancer and Lyme disease can overlap in symptoms—but new or unusual findings should never be assumed to be Lyme disease alone. Quick Answer: Breast cancer and Lyme disease can both involve fatigue, pain, and systemic symptoms. However, a new lump or unexplained change