Lyme Disease

How do I know if I have Lyme Disease?

What signs or symptoms may make you suspect you may have Lyme Disease. People who have experience in Lyme Disease offer advice of what things may make you suspicious and which doctor you should go to to receive treatment

How do I know if I have Lyme Disease?

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection caused by the bite of an infected black-legged tick. It is important to be aware of the signs and symptoms of Lyme disease, as early detection and treatment can prevent complications. Here are some key indicators to help you determine if you might have Lyme disease:

1. Tick Bite

If you have been bitten by a tick, especially in an area where Lyme disease is prevalent, it increases the likelihood of infection. However, not everyone who is bitten by a tick will develop Lyme disease.

2. Rash

A characteristic rash called erythema migrans (EM) is often the first sign of Lyme disease. It typically appears within 3 to 30 days after a tick bite and expands gradually over time. The rash may resemble a bull's-eye, with a red outer ring surrounding a clear area and a red center. However, it is important to note that not all Lyme disease cases present with this rash.

3. Flu-like Symptoms

In the early stages of Lyme disease, you may experience flu-like symptoms such as:

Fever

Chills

Fatigue

Muscle and joint aches

Headache

Sore throat

Swollen lymph nodes

These symptoms can be mistaken for other illnesses, so it is important to consider other factors as well.

4. Neurological Symptoms

If Lyme disease is left untreated, it can progress and affect the nervous system. This can lead to symptoms such as:

Severe headaches

Dizziness or vertigo

Numbness or tingling in the hands or feet

Muscle weakness

Poor coordination

Memory problems

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention promptly.

5. Joint Pain and Swelling

Lyme disease can cause inflammation in the joints, leading to pain and swelling. The knees are commonly affected, but other joints may also be involved.

6. Heart Problems

In rare cases, Lyme disease can affect the heart, leading to irregular heart rhythms, chest pain, and shortness of breath. If you have any cardiac symptoms, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention.

7. Other Symptoms

Lyme disease can also cause a range of other symptoms, including:

Fatigue

Sleep disturbances

Persistent swollen glands

Eye inflammation

Facial paralysis (Bell's palsy)

Digestive issues

If you are experiencing any combination of these symptoms, it is important to consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis.

Seeking Medical Advice

If you suspect you may have Lyme disease based on the symptoms mentioned above, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional. They will evaluate your symptoms, medical history, and may order specific tests to confirm the diagnosis. Early detection and treatment with antibiotics are essential to prevent complications and promote a full recovery.

by Diseasemaps

A lot of people start feeling unwell. Some symptoms are very flu-like. Some people get a bull's-eye rash. Even others have symptoms such as excruciating headaches, joint pain, brain fog, etc.

8/16/17 by Deanna 2150

Talk to someone that has the diagnosis. There will be so many shared symptoms that you'll know you're not crazy. Getting a diagnosis and treatment is expensive and usually makes people feel worse. You can live with this disease of you make the necessary lifestyle changes.

8/29/17 by missy 2050

Symptoms are varied; too many to list here. Lyme is the 'great imitator' and can resemble many illnesses/conditions. Among the most helpful tip is to look at Fibromyalgia and MS symptoms as they are often similar. Most Lyme is clinically diagnosed by a qualified practitioner (MD, ND), not through blood tests and certainly not by an infectious disease 'specialist' (with the possible exception of acute infection in its earliest stages).

8/31/17 by S. Guthrie 2000

fill out dr horowitz questionair, and then see an ilads trained doctor

9/29/17 by Sarah 2550

If you have symptoms that match been bit by a tick bulls eye rash .. but mostly it is process of elimination...

9/29/17 by Katrina 2000

Symptoms and a clinical dx

10/1/17 by Sonya 2000

Due to fact that the test are stongly unreliable, the best way to diagnose is to check-up your symptoms and the good LLMD treats you by symptoms, not by tests. My advise is to go and fill-in the "Horrowitz questionnaire" which diagnoses Lyme disease simply by symptoms, successfully for more than 20 years. Just google it ;)

10/9/17 by Jessie 1600

A bulls eye rash but not always, flu like symptoms and many others. There is a huge list. Get tested through primary and if positive go to an llmd.

10/25/17 by Andrea 2120

Well if it’s only Lyme you can go for years having no clue and the person on the side of you is headed to the hospital. If you get symptoms right away look for flu like symptoms, a bullseye rash, a tick, hip pain, neck and back pain, migraines, and interstitial cystitis love to show their ugly fave first usually. Others can occur too

3/9/18 by Niki 8100

Download webmd. Sadly that’s where I got my first diagnosis. DO NOT USE THE ELISA OR WESTERN BLOT. They are meant for you to fail. Use Igenix which the basic test is covered for Medicare patients. Everything else, including co-infections, is out of pocket. I’d do Co-infections through DNA Connextions or Armin Labs.

3/14/18 by Nikolettie 2700

I know I have lyme I’m cdc positive western blot and I’m currently being seen by drs

5/26/18 by Bethany Wing 2100

History. Tests. Clinical diagnosis. There is a great questionnaire by Dr. Horowitz that can help point you in the right direction.

2/1/20 by Lori 2550

For the correct symptoms and tests

12/16/21 by José 7770

Translated from spanish Improve translation

if the symptoms are similar to those associated with Lyme, the fastest way to deconfirmar the suspect is using the ELISA test

9/12/17 by N6. Translated

Translated from spanish Improve translation

Go to an infectologist, have confusion and joint pains, made a study of blood

9/13/17 by mora de La Plata. Translated

Translated from spanish Improve translation

do the official test

9/15/17 by Emiliano Ignacio Rodriguez. Translated

Translated from spanish Improve translation

Analytical Primary care physician and get all the evidence possible

9/27/17 by Amparochiqui. Translated

Top questions

What is the life expectancy of someone with Lyme Disease?

Celebrities with Lyme Disease

Is Lyme Disease hereditary?

Is Lyme Disease contagious?

ICD10 code of Lyme Disease and ICD9 code

View more questions of Lyme Disease

World map of Lyme Disease

Find people with Lyme Disease through the map. Connect with them and share experiences. Join the Lyme Disease community.

There are 2053 people in the map. View Map of Lyme Disease