Lyme Disease Effects on the Human Brain

Lyme Disease is a very common disease all over the world. It is carried by ticks and can affect humans and animals. Many people have heard of Lyme disease but might not know the dangerous effects Lyme disease can have on the human brain if left untreated.

What is Lyme Disease and How is it C?

• Lyme disease is an inflammatory disease spread most commonly by ticks. Once you are bitten by a tick carrying the disease, it spreads through the body and affects the joints, immune system and even the brain. Because it is carried by ticks, Lyme disease is a common disease. Animals and humans come in contact with ticks when outside walking through tall grass or wooded areas.

Effects of Lyme Disease on the Human Brain

• If left untreated, Lyme Disease can cause damage to the brain. Insomnia, hallucinations, panic attacks, anxiety, lack of concentration and cognition problems are among symptoms of Lyme disease. Many times, untreated Lyme disease can cause severe decreased brain function and, in rare cases, irreversible brain damage.

Earliest Effects

• The flu-like symptoms that accompany Lyme Disease are often followed by neurological effects like panic attacks. This is usually a sign that Lyme disease has spread to the brain, and immediate action needs to be taken to stop it from spreading further.

Meningitis

• One form of bacterial meningitis is related to Lyme disease. Meningitis is a swelling of the membrane surrounding the brain. If left untreated it can be deadly as it effects not only the membrane surrounding the brain but the spinal cord as well. However, the form of the disease related to Lyme disease is usually less severe and is rarely fatal.

Encephalitis

• Encephalitis is swelling within the brain and can lead to things like fever, headache and seizures. Depending on which part of the brain is swelling there are other symptoms like dizziness, clumsiness, and confusion. Encephalitis is a rare complication of Lyme disease.