What is the earliest clinical manifestation of Lyme disease?

Early localized disease (< 30 days) Early disease usually presents as an acute illness characterized by fever, headache and myalgia with the presence of a single, localized skin lesion known as erythema migrans (EM).

What stage of Lyme disease is erythema migrans?

Stage 1: Early localized Lyme disease (1 to 4 weeks) Early localized Lyme disease develops days to weeks after you become infected. You may have: An expanding, circular red rash (erythema migrans).

Will Lyme disease show up in blood work?

Antibody tests are the most commonly used tests to help identify Lyme disease. Antibody testing may also be done on fluid from the spine or from a joint. It may take up to 2 months after becoming infected before antibodies can be detected in a blood test.

Is Stage 2 Lyme disease curable?

Using Antibiotics to Treat Lyme Disease If you already have stage 1 (localized) or stage 2 (early disseminated) Lyme disease with the telltale bull’s-eye rash but no other significant symptoms, your doctor will most likely treat you with oral doxycycline, amoxicillin, or cefuroxime for 14 to 21 days.

What is Stage 2 Lyme disease?

Symptoms of early disseminated Lyme disease (stage 2) may occur weeks to months after the tick bite, and may include: Numbness or pain in the nerve area. Paralysis or weakness in the muscles of the face. Heart problems, such as skipped heartbeats (palpitations), chest pain, or shortness of breath.

What are the symptoms of late Lyme disease?

New onset fatigue, widespread pain, sleep disturbance, and cognitive impairment are common symptoms of late Lyme disease. Many symptoms of late or chronic Lyme disease are non-specific and common among diseases.

How is light sensitivity a symptom of Lyme disease?

Sensitivity to light and vision changes. Light sensitivity was found in 16 percent of adults with early Lyme ( ). In the same study, 13 percent reported blurry vision. Summary: Light sensitivity, including to indoor light, is a symptom of Lyme.

What are the symptoms of neuropsychiatric Lyme disease?

Neuropsychiatric Lyme Disease. Neuropsychiatric symptoms can emerge either early or late in the dissemination phase of infection. These symptoms commonly appear as cognitive symptomspresenting as irritability, easy tearfulness, anxiety, and depression.

How is the diagnosis of Lyme disease made?

Lyme disease is a clinical diagnosis—based on the patient’s medical history, symptoms and exposure to ticks. This symptom checklist was developed to assist patients and physicians in the diagnosis of Lyme disease. The Symptoms Checklist is NOT a self-diagnosis tool.