Lyme Disease Symptoms

Listen to Dr. Risk's Radio Show on Lyme Disease.

What is Lyme Disease?

Lyme disease is a serious and often misunderstood infection caused by the Borrelia bacteria, which is primarily spread through the bite of infected ticks. These ticks, commonly found on small rodents, birds, deer, and other animals, can carry multiple infections at a time, leading to the possibility of co-infections in humans. The symptoms of Lyme disease can vary greatly from person to person and can often mimic other serious illnesses, making diagnosis and treatment challenging. 

Early detection and treatment are crucial for a successful outcome, as the initial stages of the disease are typically easier to treat. Symptoms in the early stages may include flu-like symptoms and neurological conditions such as paralysis, but without proper treatment, the infection can progress and become chronic. This can lead to infiltration into every system in the body, making diagnosis and treatment much more difficult.

Treatment for Lyme Disease can be extremely complex, as the illness can lead to complications such as biofilm, co-infections, and a weakened immune system. At Ananta Health, we understand the unique challenges of treating this condition and take an individualized approach to diagnosis and treatment. Our team of experts is dedicated to helping patients acquire the proper diagnosis and treatment for Lyme Disease, utilizing personalized approaches that take into account each patient's specific needs. Located in Calgary with the ability to provide remote consultations across Canada and worldwide, we are passionate about helping people overcome the challenges of this complicated condition.

What Does Lyme Disease Look Like?

If you suspect that you may be experiencing symptoms of Lyme Disease, it's important to be aware of the wide range of potential symptoms. The following Lyme Symptoms Check sheet is not a diagnosis, but is meant to help you determine if Lyme Disease could be affecting you. It's important to note that not all cases of Lyme Disease present the same way, and some patients may experience over 100 symptoms, while others may have only two symptoms, but still test positive for the disease. It's important to seek medical attention if you suspect you may have been exposed to Lyme Disease and to consult with a specialist who is familiar with the diagnosis and treatment of this complex condition.

How Do I Know If I Have Been Exposed to Lyme Disease?

Signs of Exposure to Lyme Disease:

  • Have you had exposure to ticks?
  • Were you ill after being bitten by a tick?
  • Did you develop a target rash, or any other rash after being bitten by a tick?
  • Do you have family members with Lyme Disease?
  • Have you had sexual contact with someone with Lyme Disease?
  • Have you been exposed to outdoor environment with brush, wild grasses, wild steams, golf courses, or woods in excess of 10 minutes in any location?
  • Do you have pets who have been exposed to outdoor environment with brush, wild grasses, wild steams, golf courses, or woods in excess of 10 minutes in any location?
  • Do you experience discomfort within two minutes of being in a musty or mouldy location?

What are Symptoms of Lyme Disease?

  • Weight loss or gain in excess of 20 lbs in a short period of time
  • Presence of any rash
  • Changes in skin texture
  • Slow wound healing
  • Feeling worse or better after antibiotic treatment
  • Poor short term memory
  • Dizziness
  • Vertigo
  • Chemical Sensitivities
  • Presence of a neurological disorder with or without a diagnosis
  • Presence of a psychiatric disorder
  • Facial paralysis or Bell’s Palsy
  • Personality changes
  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Irritability
  • Rage
  • Additions
  • Any of the following: paranoia, dementia, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, panic attacks, major depression, anorexia nervosa or obsessive compulsive disorder
  • Seizures
  • Brain lesions seen on a brain scan such as an MRI or CT of the head
  • Ability to function at work has decreased
  • Brain Fog
  • Difficulty with name recall
  • Getting lost easily
  • Inability to learn new information
  • Difficulty reading
  • Difficulty speaking
  • Repeating stories
  • Confusion
  • Fatigue in excess or that is getting worse
  • Trouble falling asleep
  • Trouble staying asleep (waking in the night)
  • Sleep in excess of 9 hours including naps
  • Digestive complaints with no clear cause (nausea, vomiting, cramping, cons;pation, diarrhea, bloating)
  • New or increased food allergies
  • Ear problems (pain, pressure)
  • Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
  • Eye floaters
  • Blurred vision
  • Changes in senses (vision, sound, touch, taste, smell)
  • Bladder dysfunction
  • Treatment resistant interstitial Cystitis
  • Cardiac impairment
  • Chest pain with no clear cause
  • Palpitations
  • Shortness of Breath
  • Air hunger
  • Numbness,
  • Tingling
  • Burning
  • Shock sensations on the skin
  • Eccentric itching with no clear cause
  • Hair loss with no clear cause
  • Muscle pain or cramps
  • Muscle spasms
  • Muscle wasting
  • Problems with jaw function and pain
  • Dental problems
  • Joint pain, swelling, inflammation
  • Neck stiffness
  • Chronic pain
  • Pain that doesn’t respond to treatment
  • Pain that migrates to new areas
  • Nerve pain
  • Arthritis (any kind)
  • No longer tolerates sugar, alcohol or refined foods
  • Headaches
  • Migraines
  • Day time sweats
  • Nighttime sweats
  • Chills
  • Feeling Flu-like
  • Any autoimmune disease
  • Abnormal menstrual cycle
  • Decreased testosterone
  • Increased motion sickness
  • Fainting
  • Stretch marks
  • Red papules of any size on the skin
  • Skin tags including ones removed
  • Formications or feelings of being bitten by bugs or bug sensations on skin with no bugs on the skin
  • Unusual discomfort on the soles of the feet especially in the morning
  • Liver enlargement with no clear cause
  • Spleen enlargement with no clear cause
  • A persistent sore throat Anemia with or without a known cause