Advanced Lyme Disease Symptoms & Treatment

Lyme disease is transmitted by infected bugs called ticks. Ticks are typically found in heavily wooded areas, so caution should be taken for those spending time in such areas. If Lyme disease is contracted, the disease can be severe and debilitating if allowed to progress. Immediate antibiotic treatments can prevent the disease from worsening and causing lasting symptoms. Those who become infected may exhibit symptoms like body aches, joint swelling, fever and chills and may experience weakness or temporary paralysis, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Joint Pain

In the later stages of Lyme disease, severe joint pain and swelling may develop. This symptom can be seen in just a few weeks to months after transmission occurs. The knees are typically affected, according to the Mayo Clinic, though the pain may shift from joint to joint.

Neurological Disturbances

When Lyme disease has been left undiagnosed or untreated, inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain can occur. Other neurological disturbances such as temporary paralysis (Bell's palsy) and weak or numb limbs may be evident as well as impaired muscle movement, which may occur weeks, months or years after the disease is transmitted. Other advanced symptoms like sleep disturbances, inability to concentrate and memory loss may be experienced in later stages of the disease.

Heart Problems

Heart abnormalities like palpitations can occur in the third stage of Lyme disease. This symptom may also cause lightheadedness and fainting, chest pain or shortness of breath, which can occur in fewer than 10 percent of people with Lyme disease, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. These symptoms are sometimes short-lived, developing several weeks after infection and typically lasting only a few days to weeks.

Treatments

Lyme disease is typically treated with antibiotics. When the disease is diagnosed in its early stages, oral antibiotics like doxycycline (for older children and adults) and cefuroxime axetil or amoxicillin for children and women who are breast feeding are safe and effective. The disease can typically be treated with complete results, though some individuals experience lingering effects. For advanced Lyme disease, intravenous antibiotics may be necessary for a course of 14 to 28 days, according to the Mayo Clinic. The results are generally good, as the disease can be cured, though other symptoms may be present for sometime. In addition, intravenous drugs may cause side effects like diarrhea, reduced white blood count and gallstones.