Lyme disease, an infectious disease caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi bacteria in tick bites, is categorized in three stages: early localized, early disseminated and late, or long-term, disease. Symptoms of long-term Lyme disease involve the heart, nervous system and joints. If the initial tick bite went untreated, or if the course of treatment did not kill all the bacteria, Lyme disease may remain dormant for months or years before becoming active.
Neurological Symptoms
Facial paralysis, known as Bell's palsy, is a reported symptom of long-term Lyme disease. Muscle twitching and tingling of the cheek or face may also be present. Unexplained tremors or shaking, numbness on any part of the body, weakness and stabbing pain are possible indicators of Lyme disease. A stiff neck and severe headache may suggest the presence of meningitis as a result of Lyme disease.
Joints
Long-term Lyme disease symptoms include chronic Lyme arthritis. The Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center reports this type of arthritis usually attacks the larger joints, such as the knees, but it can also affect the shoulders, elbows, ankles and other smaller joints.
Pain
Muscle pain and cramps are symptoms of long-term Lyme disease. The pain may move around from one location on the body to another. It may come and go with no relation to activity. The pain may affect sleep patterns and contribute to extreme fatigue.
Cognitive Symptoms
Memory loss and difficulty concentrating are symptoms of long-term Lyme disease. Confusion and slurred speech may also be present. Chronic cognitive problems typically manifest from two to eight years after infection. Mood changes, including depression, may also occur.
Cardiovascular Symptoms
Inflammation of the heart muscle can occur with long-term Lyme disease. Heart failure, the inability of the heart to pump adequately, is a possible complication of an inflamed heart muscle. Abnormal heart rhythms, such as palpitations, or cardiac block may present as symptoms months after the initial infection. Fainting and shortness of breath may occur.
Symptoms in Children
Long-term Lyme disease may affect children differently from adults. Healthofchildren.com reports children may have optic nerve swelling (see Resources). Fever, chest pain and joint swelling are all reported symptoms in children with long-term Lyme disease.
Other Symptoms
Females may experience menstrual cycle irregularity or unexplained pain with long-term Lyme disease. Men or women may have loss of sex drive, unexplained fevers, repeated infections and weight gain or loss for no apparent reason. Abnormal sensitivity to light and decreased consciousness are other reported symptoms in late-stage Lyme disease.
