What Is Lyme Disease???
(From Lyme Info)
Lyme disease, the most common vector-borne
disease in the United States, poses a serious health crisis both nationally and
internationally. Transmitted by the bite of a tick, Lyme disease is a bacterial
infection caused by the spirochete (spiral shaped bacteria) Borrelia
burgdorferi. Lyme disease is a systemic infection that can affect almost any
part of the body. Although Lyme disease is the most well known of the tick-borne
infections, multiple infections can be transferred at one time by a single tick.
The presence of multiple infections tends to further complicate diagnosis and
treatment.
Lyme disease is found in many countries worldwide. In the United States, Lyme disease has been reported from 49 states, with the highest prevalence in the northeastern, north-central, and Pacific coastal regions. However, ticks are creeping inland as they are carried by travelers and migrating birds. It is important to take proper precautions nation-wide to reduce the risk of contracting tick-borne pathogens.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Lyme disease should be diagnosed clinically, which includes factors such as symptoms and exposure to infected ticks. Lyme disease must not be ruled out solely on the basis of a negative test result. While a "bulls-eye" rash is diagnostic for Lyme disease, the types of rashes seen in Lyme disease vary greatly. Further, a significant number of patients do not recall any rash or tick-bite. Symptoms can appear quickly or develop over time. Since Lyme is a multi system disease, the list of symptoms is long, and it is common to see symptoms affecting multiple systems. Early in the illness Lyme disease can be confused with the flu, but as the disease progresses it can lead to cardiac, musculoskeletal, neurological, and/or other system involvement. Patients with Chronic Lyme Disease often experience severe headaches, fatigue, pain, insomnia, and memory problems. For a comprehensive list of symptoms, please see the symptoms list.
Lyme disease is treated with antibiotics, either orally or intravenously. Prompt and thorough treatment early in the illness is the most effective method for preventing a persistent, disabling condition. There is no known cure for chronic Lyme disease, and its treatment is surrounded by much controversy. However, many patients find improvements when treated long term, either for Lyme disease bacterial infection and/or for the presence of co-infection.
According to the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS ), "Lyme disease is the latest great imitator and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of MS, ALS, seizure and other neurological conditions, as well as arthritis, CFS, Gulf war syndrome, ADHD, hypochondriasis, fibromyalgia, somatization disorder and patients with various difficult-to-diagnose multi-system syndromes." Not only can Lyme disease be incorrectly diagnosed as other conditions, it can also occur concurrently with other conditions or be diagnosed incorrectly. Therefore, patients who suspect Lyme disease must have a full clinical evaluation by a knowledgeable, "Lyme Literate" physician. The best referrals are obtained through local patients and support groups.
In addition to Lyme disease, the following infections are also transmitted by ticks: Babesiosis, Ehrlichiosis, Bartonellosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Tularemia and certain viruses.
Lyme disease is found in many countries worldwide. In the United States, Lyme disease has been reported from 49 states, with the highest prevalence in the northeastern, north-central, and Pacific coastal regions. However, ticks are creeping inland as they are carried by travelers and migrating birds. It is important to take proper precautions nation-wide to reduce the risk of contracting tick-borne pathogens.
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Lyme disease should be diagnosed clinically, which includes factors such as symptoms and exposure to infected ticks. Lyme disease must not be ruled out solely on the basis of a negative test result. While a "bulls-eye" rash is diagnostic for Lyme disease, the types of rashes seen in Lyme disease vary greatly. Further, a significant number of patients do not recall any rash or tick-bite. Symptoms can appear quickly or develop over time. Since Lyme is a multi system disease, the list of symptoms is long, and it is common to see symptoms affecting multiple systems. Early in the illness Lyme disease can be confused with the flu, but as the disease progresses it can lead to cardiac, musculoskeletal, neurological, and/or other system involvement. Patients with Chronic Lyme Disease often experience severe headaches, fatigue, pain, insomnia, and memory problems. For a comprehensive list of symptoms, please see the symptoms list.
Lyme disease is treated with antibiotics, either orally or intravenously. Prompt and thorough treatment early in the illness is the most effective method for preventing a persistent, disabling condition. There is no known cure for chronic Lyme disease, and its treatment is surrounded by much controversy. However, many patients find improvements when treated long term, either for Lyme disease bacterial infection and/or for the presence of co-infection.
According to the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS ), "Lyme disease is the latest great imitator and should be considered in the differential diagnosis of MS, ALS, seizure and other neurological conditions, as well as arthritis, CFS, Gulf war syndrome, ADHD, hypochondriasis, fibromyalgia, somatization disorder and patients with various difficult-to-diagnose multi-system syndromes." Not only can Lyme disease be incorrectly diagnosed as other conditions, it can also occur concurrently with other conditions or be diagnosed incorrectly. Therefore, patients who suspect Lyme disease must have a full clinical evaluation by a knowledgeable, "Lyme Literate" physician. The best referrals are obtained through local patients and support groups.
In addition to Lyme disease, the following infections are also transmitted by ticks: Babesiosis, Ehrlichiosis, Bartonellosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Tularemia and certain viruses.
DISCLAIMER: This site is for informational purposes only and is not to be considered a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health professional before starting any new treatment or making any changes to existing treatment. Do not delay seeking or disregard medical advice based on information on this site. Medical information changes rapidly and while efforts will be made to update the content on this site, some information may be out of date.