Neurological Complications of Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is caused by a bacterial organism that is transmitted to humans via the bite of an infected tick. Most people with Lyme disease develop a characteristic skin rash around the area of the bite. The rash may feel hot to the touch, and vary in size, shape, and color, but it will often have a "bull's eye" appearance (a red ring with a clear center). However, there are those who will not develop the rash, which can make Lyme disease hard to diagnose because its symptoms and signs mimic those of many other diseases. Anywhere from 7 to 14 days (or in some cases, 30 days) following an infected tick's bite, the first stage of Lyme disease may begin with flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, headaches, fatigue, muscle aches, and joint pain.Neurological complications most often occur in the second stage of Lyme disease, with numbness, pain, weakness, Bell's palsy (paralysis of the facial muscles), visual disturbances, and meningitis symptoms such as fever, stiff neck, and severe headache. Other problems, which may not appear until weeks, months, or years after a tick bite, include decreased concentration, irritability, memory and sleep disorders, and nerve damage in the arms and legs.

Treatment

Lyme disease is treated with antibiotics under the supervision of a physician.

Prognosis

Most individuals with Lyme disease respond well to antibiotics and have full recovery. In a small percentage of individuals, symptoms may continue or recur, requiring additional antibiotic treatment. Varying degrees of permanent joint or nervous system damage may develop in individuals with late-stage Lyme disease.

Research

The NINDS supports research on Lyme disease. Current areas of interest include improving diagnostic tests and developing more effective treatments. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS), and the National Center for Research Resources (NCRR), all parts of the National Institutes of Health (NIH),  also support research on Lyme disease.

Organizations

Lyme Disease Foundation
Nonprofit medical healthcare agency dedicated to finding solutions to tick-borne disorders. Apparently they've disbanded.

P.O. Box 332
Tolland, CT 06084-0332
info@lyme.org
http://www.lyme.org
Tel: Tolland
Fax: 860-870-0080

NIAID Office of Communications and Government Relations

National Institutes of Health, DHHS
5601 Fishers Lane, MSC 9806
Bethesda, MD 20892
http://www.niaid.nih.gov
Tel: Bethesda

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
1600 Clifton Road
Atlanta, GA 30333
inquiry@cdc.gov
http://www.cdc.gov
Tel: Atlanta

Arthritis Foundation
Volunteer-driven organization that works to improve lives through leadership in the prevention, control, and cure of arthritis and related diseases. Offers free brochures on various types of arthritis, treatment options, and management of daily activities when affected.

P.O. Box 7669
Atlanta, GA 30357
help@arthritis.org
http://www.arthritis.org
Tel: Atlanta
Fax: 404-872-0457

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NINDS Disorders is an index of neurological conditions provided by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. This valuable tool offers detailed descriptions, facts on treatment and prognosis, and patient organization contact information for over 500 identified neurological disorders.

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