Lyme Disease can begin with mild flu-like symptoms, such as fever, headache, general achiness, swollen glands, extreme fatigue and a possible rash. Some people may only present with a headache, sleep disruption, memory and/or concentration problems. I
nitial symptoms may occur within a day or up to eight weeks after a bite from an infected tick.
The typical rash associated with Lyme Disease is the “bull’s-eye” rash. However, the rash is seen in fewer than 50% of diagnosed cases. It may also present in other forms, such as a round or oval reddish rash. If the “bull’s-eye” rash is present, it is a definitive diagnosis of Lyme Disease and treatment should begin immediately.
If the initial infection goes undiagnosed and untreated, the infection can progress, traveling throughout the body and affecting any organ. Most patients experience extreme, debilitating fatigue. In the heart, the bacteria may cause palpitations. In the digestive tract, it may cause nausea, acid reflux, irritable bowel or diarrhea. Hypothyroidism and menstrual irregularities occur when the bacteria enters the endocrine system. Learning disabilities, memory impairment, headaches, sleep disturbances and concentration problems may occur when it enters the brain. A patient may also experience joint pain and swelling, muscle soreness, twitching and cramps.
Headache
Facial paralysis
Tingling of nose, cheek or face
Stiff neck
Sore throat, swollen glands
Heightened allergic sensitivities
Twitching of facial and/or other muscles
Jaw pain and/or stiffness
Change in smell, taste
DIGESTIVE SYMPTOMS
Nausea and/or vomiting
Irritable bladder
Unexplained weight loss or gain
Loss of appetite, anorexia
RESPIRATORY AND CIRCULATORY SYMPTOMS
Difficulty breathing
Night sweats and/or chills
Heart palpitations
Diminished exercise tolerance
Heart block or murmur
Chest pain or rib soreness
PSYCHIATRIC SYMPTOMS
Mood swings, irritability, agitation
Depression and/or anxiety
Personality changes
Malaise
Aggressive behavior
Suicidal thoughts
Crying easily
Disturbed sleep (too much, too little)
Difficulty falling or staying asleep)
Paranoia and/or hallucinations
Obsessive compulsive behavior
Manic behavior
COGNITIVE SYMPTOMS
Dementia
Forgetfulness
Short and/or long term memory loss
Attention deficit problems
Confusion and/or difficulty thinking
Difficulty concentrating
Difficulty with reading and/or spelling
Disorientation
REPRODUCTION AND SEXUALITY SYMPTOMS
Female
Unexplained menstrual pain
Menstrual irregularity
Reproduction problems
Extreme PMS symptoms
Cessation of menstrual cycle
Male
Testicular and/or pelvic pain
Erectile dysfunction
Double or blurry vision
Conjunctivitis (pink eye)
Over-sensitivity to light
Eye pain or swelling around eyes
Floaters and/or spots
Red eyes
EARS, HEARING
Decreased hearing
Ringing and/or buzzing in ears
Sound sensitivity
Pain in ears
MUSCULOSKELETAL SYMPTOMS
Joint pain, swelling and stiffness
Shifting joint pain
Muscle pain or cramps
Poor muscle coordination
Muscle weakness
NEUROLOGIC SYMPTOMS
Numbness, tingling or pinpricks in body
Burning and/or stabbing sensations
Burning in feet
Weakness and/or paralysis of limbs
Tremors and/or shaking
Seizures
Poor balance and/or dizziness
Difficulty walking
Motion sickness and/or wooziness
Lightheadedness and/or fainting
Encephalopathy
Encephalitis
Meningitis
Encephalomyelitis
Academic or vocational decline
Auditory processing problems
Word finding problems
SKIN SYMPTOMS
Erythema Migrans (rash)
“Bulls-eye” rash
GENERAL WELL BEING SYMPTOMS
Decreased interest
Extreme fatigue
Unexplained fevers
Flu-like symptoms
OTHER SYMPTOMS
Dysfunction of thyroid
Liver inflammation
Bladder and kidney problems
No Lyme 