NINDS Neurological Sequelae Of Lyme Disease Information Page: NINDS

Article title: NINDS Neurological Sequelae Of Lyme Disease Information Page: NINDS

Main condition: Lyme disease

What is Neurological Sequelae Of Lyme Disease?
Lyme disease is a bacterial infection transmitted by the bite of an infected tick. It may cause a number of medical conditions. The disorder is often hard to diagnose because its symptoms and signs mimic those of many other diseases. In its early stage, Lyme disease may be a mild illness with flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, swollen lymph nodes, headaches, fatigue, muscle aches, and joint pain. Symptoms appear within 7 to 10 days following the infected tick's bite. Many people bitten by an infected tick develop a large, expanding skin rash around the area of the bite. The rash may feel hot to the touch, but is usually not painful. Rashes vary in size, shape, and color, but often have a "bull's eye" appearance (a red ring with a clear center). Nervous system abnormalities may include 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 memory or thinking difficulties or nerve damage in the arms and legs.

Is there any treatment?
Lyme disease is treated with antibiotics under the supervision of a physician.

What is the prognosis?
Most individuals with Lyme disease respond well to antibiotics and have full recovery. In a few patients symptoms of persisting infection may continue or recur, requiring additional antibiotic treatment. Varying degrees of permanent joint or nervous system damage may develop in patients with late chronic Lyme disease. In rare cases, death may occur.

What research is being done?
The NINDS supports research on Lyme disease. Current areas of interest in research on the disorder include improving diagnostic tests and treatments, and finding an effective vaccine. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases also support research on Lyme disease.

Organizations

Lyme Disease Foundation
One Financial Plaza
18th Floor
Hartford, CT 06103-2601
lymefnd@aol.com
http://www.lyme.org/
Tel: 860-525-2000 800-886-LYME (5963)
Fax: 860-525-TICK (8425)

National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID)
National Institutes of Health
31 Center Drive, Rm. 7A50 MSC 2520
Bethesda, MD 20892-2520
(see website)
http://www.niaid.nih.gov/
Tel: 301-496-5717

National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
National Institutes of Health
Bldg. 31, Rm. 4C05
Bethesda, MD 20892-2350
NIAMSInfo@mail.nih.gov
http://www.nih.gov/niams
Tel: 301-496-8188 877-22-NIAMS (226-4267)

Workshop on Research Opportunities on Human Neuroborreliosis
Health Disparities Working Group: Cognitive and Emotional Health in Minority Children Workshop on Research Opportunities on Human Neuroborreliosis

This fact sheet is in the public domain. You may copy it.Provided by:
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
National Institutes of Health
Bethesda, MD 20892

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