ADVICE FROM HARVARD HEALTH PUBLISHING: WHAT HAPPENS IF I LEAVE LYME DISEASE UNTREATED?
Answered by Dr. Robert H. Shmerling
M.D. Senior Faculty Editor, Harvard Health Publishing · 30 years of experience · USA
If Lyme disease is untreated, a number of complications may develop, including: Rashes, including the characteristic “bull’s eye” rash Carditis (heart inflammation), including an abnormal heart rhythm that causes palpitations, dizziness and fainting Meningitis, encephalitis (brain inflammation), nerve damage – these may cause muscle weakness, headache, confusion Arthritis with joint pain and swelling Eye inflammation – different parts of the eye may be inflamed, including the conjunctiva or cornea Chronic symptoms, such as fatigue, brain fog, and widespread pain Some of these (such as the classic rash) occur soon after a tick bite and others (such as neurologic problems) tend to occur weeks or months later. Information on untreated Lyme disease is difficult to obtain because prompt treatment is highly effective and recommended in all cases.
→ Learn more about lyme disease: See the causes, symptoms, treatment options and more.
→ See more questions and expert answers related to lyme disease.
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Disclaimer: This is for information purpose only, and should not be considered as a substitute for medical expertise. These are opinions from an external panel of individual doctors, and not to be considered as opinion of Microsoft. Please seek professional help regarding any health conditions or concerns.
2024-05-07T09:42:17Z dg43tfdfdgfd
