Signs and Symptoms of Lyme Disease

Symptom Checklist
Here is a Symptom Checklist from lymedisease.org.  The checklist is designed to determine if you may have been exposed to ticks and if you exhibit the symptoms.  After you answer the questions submit the form.  You will receive a PDF file that documents your possible exposure and symptoms that you can then take with you to the doctor.

https://www.lymedisease.org/lyme-disease-symptom-checklist/


Know the Signs.  Early Treatment is Key!
It is important to seek timely treatment if you suspect you have Lyme disease.  The longer treatment is delayed the more likely you could experience long-term effects.  Please note that all symptoms may not present for all individuals. Below are signs and symptoms to watch for: 

Early Signs & Symptoms: 3 - 30 days after tick bite

  • Fever
  • Muscle Aches  Aches and Pains 
  • Joint Swelling and Pain
  • Facial Paralysis
  • Erythema Migrans (EM) Rash:  Occurs in 70% - 80% of infected people and can take 3 - 30 days to appear.  It usually occurs around the bite but can appear anywhere on the body.  The rash may appear as a round or oval red patch, as it grows in may begin to clear and look like a bull's-eye.  The rash can grow to 12" or more.  It is usually not painful or itchy but can be warm to the touch

Below are some images of what the EM Rash may look like.  

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Later Signs & Symptoms:  Can occur a few days to a month after tick bite

  • Severe Headaches and Stiffness in the Neck
  • EM Rash on Other Areas of the Body
  • Arthritis with Severe Joint Pain and Swelling
  • Facial Palsy
  • Intermittent Pain in Tendons, Muscles, Joints and Bones
  • Irregular Heartbeat or Palpitations
  • Episodes of Dizziness
  • Episodes of Shortness of Breath
  • Inflammation of the Brain and Spinal Cord
  • Nerve Pain
  • Shooting Pains, Numbness or tingling in the Hands and Feet
  • Short Term Memory Issues

For more information on the sign and symptoms of Lyme Disease and other tick transmitted diseases please visit:  https://www.cdc.gov/lyme/signs_symptoms/index.html and https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/symptoms.html

You may also wish to download "Tickborne Diseases of the United States", an informative PDF from the Center for Disease Control.

 

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Images are from the CDC Image Database:  https://phil.cdc.gov/phil/home.asp