Lyme Science Blog

Impact of Lyme Disease on Work and Caregiving Lyme disease can significantly disrupt a patient’s ability to work and care for others—sometimes even before diagnosis and, in some cases, long after treatment. A qualitative study by Hirsch and colleagues highlights how Lyme disease affects daily functioning, productivity, and caregiving roles. Loss of Function Before and […]

Bell’s Palsy and Lyme Disease: Why Steroids May Do More Harm Than Good Should steroids be used for Bell’s palsy? In typical cases, yes—but when Bell’s palsy is caused by Lyme disease, corticosteroids may increase the risk of long-term nerve damage. By Dr. Daniel Cameron Key Insight: Facial paralysis caused by Lyme disease is an

Turning a Blind Eye on Lyme Disease Lyme disease is often dismissed when it presents without classic signs—leading some patients to be overlooked despite significant, persistent symptoms. “Our ignorance is often unbearable and may lead us to turn a blind eye on non-lesional diseases,” writes Raoult. He argues that throughout medical history, some conditions were

Will Eliminating Deer Help Stop the Spread of Infected Ticks? Reducing deer populations alone is unlikely to stop the spread of Lyme disease—and in some cases, may even increase infection rates in ticks. Efforts to control Lyme disease have long focused on reducing deer, a primary host for adult Ixodes scapularis ticks. However, research findings

Can Lyme Disease Cause Stroke? When to Suspect an Infection Can Lyme disease cause stroke? An older patient had stroke with no clear cause. Testing revealed possible Lyme neuroborreliosis. Lyme disease stroke is an uncommon but important clinical consideration—particularly when standard vascular risk factors are absent. Key Question: Should Lyme disease be considered in patients

Preventing Unnecessary Surgery for Children With Lyme Arthritis Lyme arthritis in children is frequently mistaken for septic arthritis—leading to unnecessary surgery that could be avoided with early recognition and testing. This diagnostic challenge is especially important in emergency settings, where children present with an acutely swollen, painful joint and rapid decisions must be made. Lyme

Babesia urban cases are on the rise — and this South Bronx case shows why clinicians must consider tick-borne diseases even in patients living in cities. A single day trip to a state park was enough to cause a serious Babesia infection. While many of these cases may be due to infections acquired when travelling

Lyme Disease in Travelers: A Missed Diagnosis Abroad Lyme disease in travelers is often missed when clinicians in non-endemic regions fail to consider exposure history. This case highlights how easily Lyme disease can be overlooked when symptoms present outside of North America or Europe. A Misleading Presentation in Japan A woman living in New York

Lyme Disease Brain Tumor Symptoms in Children: A Missed Diagnosis Lyme disease in children can mimic a brain tumor—especially when increased intracranial pressure is the only clue. Lyme disease brain tumor symptoms can appear when neuroborreliosis causes increased intracranial pressure, leading to alarming neurologic findings despite normal imaging. This presentation can delay diagnosis if Lyme