Health Encyclopedia

Lyme disease - early disseminated

Definition

Early disseminated or secondary Lyme disease is an inflammatory disease caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi.

Alternative Names

Lyme disease - secondary or stage 2; Stage 2 Lyme disease

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Lyme disease is transmitted through the bite of an infected tick. Secondary Lyme disease develops within days to months after the tick bite, when the infection spreads via the lymph system or bloodstream.

Symptoms

Lyme disease can affect the central nervous system and cardiac system. Symptoms can come and go and may disappear after days, weeks, or months.

Symptoms include:

Blurred vision
Fainting
Fatigue
General discomfort, uneasiness, or ill feeling (malaise)
Headache
Heart palpitations
Joint inflammation in the knees and other large joints
Lethargy
Muscle pains
Stiff neck

Other symptoms that can occur with this disease:

Abnormal sensitivity to light
Confusion
Decreased consciousness
Drooping eyelids
Dysfunctional movement
Facial paralysis (also called Bell's Palsy)
Hallucinations
Loss of muscle function and feeling
Nausea and vomiting
Numbness and tingling
Speech impairment

Signs and tests

A physical examination may show signs of neurological problems or heart involvement.

Tests that may be done include:

Chest x-ray
ECG
ELISA test to screen for substances specific to the infection
Examination of cerebrospinal (CSF) fluid
Western blot to confirm the presence of antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi

Treatment

The objective of treatment is to get rid of the infection with antibiotics. Antibiotics given through a vein (intravenous) are sometimes needed to cure the infection.

Expectations (prognosis)

Symptoms of arthritis may not respond to treatment. Other symptoms should improve with treatment.

Complications

Late persistent infection
Tertiary Lyme disease

Calling your health care provider

Call your health care provider if you develop symptoms of this disorder.

Prevention

Getting diagnosed early and treating Lyme disease with antibiotics are the most effective ways to prevent secondary Lyme disease.

References

Wormser GP, Dattwyler RJ, Shapiro ED, Halperin JJ, Steere AC, Klempner MS, et al. The clinical assessment, treatment, and prevention of lyme disease, human granulocytic anaplasmosis, and babesiosis: clinical practice guidelines by the Infectious Disease Society of America. Clin Infect Dis. November 2006;43:1089-1134.

Review Date:11/1/2007
Reviewed By:Kenneth M. Wener, M.D., Department of Infectious Diseases, Lahey Clinic, Burlington, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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