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Lyme disease

• Overview
• Symptoms
• Treatment
• Prevention

Alternative Names:

Borreliosis

Treatment:

Antibiotics are used to treat Lyme disease. The specific antibiotic used depends on the stage of the disease and your symptoms.

Anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen, are sometimes prescribed to relieve joint stiffness .

Expectations (prognosis):

If diagnosed in the early stages, Lyme disease can be cured with antibiotics. Without treatment, complications involving joints, the heart, and the nervous system can occur.

Complications:

Advanced stages of Lyme disease can cause long-term joint inflammation (Lyme arthritis) and heart rhythm problems. Neurological problems are also possible, and may include:

• Decreased concentration
• Memory disorders
• Nerve damage
• Numbness
• Pain
• Paralysis of the facial muscles
• Sleep disorders
• Visual disturbances

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if symptoms of Lyme disease develop.

• Review Date: 6/29/2007
• Reviewed By: Cyrus Badshah, M.D., Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Clinical Medicine,College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University; Assistant AttendingPhysician, Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases & MedicalDirector, Chest (TB)Clinic and Directly Observed Therapy Program, HarlemHospital Center. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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