Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted to humans by deer ticks. Lyme disease is an inflammatory disease that may affect multiple body systems. Antibiotics are used to treat Lyme disease and resolve symptoms; however, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention states that a small percentage of people will have Lyme symptoms months to years after treatment. While the cause of lingering symptoms is not known, the CDC states that an immune response to Lyme disease is thought to continue in the body long after treatment.
Chronic Arthritis
Lyme disease bacteria spread through the circulatory system and settle in body tissues, including muscle, bone and cartilage. Bacteria then cause inflammation of joints, resulting in arthritis. A person with initial Lyme disease may experience joint pain and swelling or chronic arthritis. After initial treatment for Lyme disease, joint pain and swelling may persist or reappear. One or more large joints are generally affected, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, and may be more prominent in the knees. A person may experience general musculoskeletal pain, or muscle pains and aching throughout the body, as well.
The UMM advises that a person with arthritis symptoms after initial treatment for Lyme disease may be treated with another course of antibiotics, usually given intravenously or through a vein. While some people experience a resolution of symptoms with additional treatment, arthritis symptoms may not go away for others.
Mood changes
MedlinePlus, a service of the National Institutes of Health, advises that a person who was treated for Lyme disease in the past may develop changes in mood later on. A person may experience irritability, frequent low moods or depression. Sleep disorders such as trouble falling asleep or staying asleep may also occur with chronic Lyme disease infection.
Neurological Disorders
Lyme disease may cause inflammation of the nervous system. A person with residual symptoms after treatment may experience neurological symptoms that last months to years after initial treatment. Numbness or tingling in the feet or hands may occur as well as general pains in the extremities. A person may also experience trouble concentrating; changes in short term memory or may develop severe headaches. The American Lyme Disease Foundation states that a spinal tap, or withdrawing fluid from the spine, may be performed by a physician to check for the presence of Lyme bacteria.
