Lyme Science Blog

Conversion Disorder, Guillain-Barré Syndrome, or Neurologic Lyme Disease? Symptoms worsened despite treatment Neurologic findings did not fit Psychiatric diagnosis came first Infection was identified later Neurologic Lyme disease can mimic psychiatric and neurologic conditions, leading to delayed diagnosis when symptoms are attributed to non-infectious causes. Neurologic symptoms that worsen despite psychiatric treatment rarely prompt infectious

Two children who contracted Babesia from their mothers. Two Children Who Contracted Babesia From Their Mothers From the Archives (2020) This article reflects clinical discussion of pediatric Babesia cases at a time when maternal–fetal transmission was rarely considered outside of published case reports. Two pediatric cases raised concern for possible maternal–fetal transmission of Babesia. These

Lyme Disease in England: Debate Over Chronic Symptoms Lyme disease is increasingly recognized across the United Kingdom, including England and Wales. However, debate continues among researchers regarding the frequency of persistent symptoms following infection. According to reporting in the BMJ, neurologic Lyme disease in England represents a late complication that occurs in approximately one in

Severe Babesia Infection? When Exchange Transfusion Becomes Life-Saving HIGH PARASITE LEVELS? STANDARD TREATMENT MAY NOT BE ENOUGH WHEN BABESIA BECOMES CRITICAL Babesia exchange transfusion is a life-saving procedure reserved for the most severe cases of babesiosis. When parasite levels rise dangerously high, removing infected red blood cells can rapidly reduce the parasite burden and stabilize

Long-Term Antibiotics in Lyme Disease: What Surveys Show A key pattern is extended treatment. Many Lyme disease patients receive antibiotics for longer than standard guideline recommendations. In an annual, nationwide survey, 20.3% of patients were treated for 5 to 8 weeks, while 35.6% received treatment for more than 8 weeks. “A surprisingly large proportion of

Post-Infectious Syndromes After Tick-Borne Illness Some patients continue to experience symptoms long after a tick-borne infection has been treated or the acute illness has resolved. These lingering health problems are often described as post-infectious syndromes. Post-infectious illness is recognized after many infections. In the case of tick-borne diseases, similar patterns have been reported following Lyme

Fatal Neuroborreliosis Case: When Lyme Disease Affects the Brain Severe neurological symptoms getting worse quickly? Stroke, meningitis, or something else? Lyme disease may affect the brain in serious ways. Can Lyme disease become life-threatening? In rare cases, yes. This fatal neuroborreliosis case highlights how Lyme disease affecting the central nervous system can lead to severe

Lyme Carditis: Symptoms and EKG Findings A key pattern is conduction disturbance. Lyme carditis can disrupt the heart’s electrical system, leading to a wide range of abnormalities. “[Lyme carditis] is caused by direct invasion of myocardial tissue by spirochetes and an immunological host response causing lymphocyte inflammation,” writes Marcos in a discussion of Lyme carditis

Top Lyme Disease Research Findings: What Studies Reveal About Symptoms and Treatment Symptoms that don’t follow a pattern? Testing that doesn’t give clear answers? Research helps explain why Lyme disease is complex. What does Lyme disease research reveal about symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment? Studies highlight why symptoms can fluctuate, why testing may be inconclusive, and