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What Are Long-Lasting Effects & Symptoms of Lyme Disease?

Lyme disease is an inflammatory disease caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria. It is transmitted through tick bites, primarily from the deer tick. Lyme disease responds well to antibiotics if treated early but if caught too late or left untreated, it can cause lifelong effects.

  1. Flu-like Symptoms

    • About four to six weeks after the start of the infection, flu-like symptoms may appear. These include sore throat, severe headaches, muscle aches and extreme fatigue. These symptoms may resolve then reappear often.

    Arthritis

    • Bouts of arthritis occur in approximately 60 percent of those with untreated infections, according to the CDC. The pain usually affects the larger joints, such as the knees, hips and shoulders.

    Pain

    • Neck stiffness and pain in the teeth and the temporal-mandibular joint are common. Lyme disease may also cause severe chest and rib pain that may feel similar to a heart attack.

    Numbness and Tingling

    • Lyme disease may also cause recurring bouts of burning or tingling sensations, numbness, itching, electric-shock sensations or vibrations, especially in the hands and feet.

    Neurological Symptoms

    • Long-term neurological symptoms include short-term memory loss, mood changes, sleep disorders, confusion and decreased consciousness. In some cases, reactivation of the disease can cause Bells palsy and meningitis.

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