Stages of Lyme Disease
Lyme disease typically occurs in three stages: early localized, early disseminated and late disseminated. Not everyone will go through all three stages and sometimes, they can overlap.
One of the first signs of infection is typically called the “bulls-eye rash.” However, people can develop any rash (or none at all). This is what makes diagnosis so tricky. In most cases, Lyme disease starts with flu-like symptoms.
Stage One
The early localized stage of Lyme disease occurs a few days to a few weeks after being bitten by a tick. The infection is considered “localized” because it has not yet spread to the rest of the body.
At this stage, Lyme is the easiest to cure. That is why acting quickly is so important. Symptoms of stage one may include:
- Sore throat
- Flu-like illness (fever and chills)
- Swollen glands
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Stick neck
- Rash
Lyme feels more like a bad cold at this stage and can be treated easier.
Stage Two
After several weeks to months of being bitten, early disseminated Lyme disease means the bacteria is beginning to spread throughout your body. In addition to feeling ill from a flu, this stage is often characterized by an increase of symptoms like:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Chills
- Headaches
- Muscle aches
- Pain or weakness in limbs
- Changes in vision
- Heart problems (palpitations or chest pain)
- Rash
- Bell’s palsy (facial paralysis)
Treatment at this stage will be much more involved. The sooner you seek help, the easier it will be to manage your health.
Stage Three
When Lyme disease goes untreated, it turns into stage three, which is known as “late disseminated.” At this point, the disease has progressed, and you may be experiencing more serious issues. This can occur weeks, months, or even years after being bitten. That’s why vigilance is so important.
Once the Lyme bacteria has spread, many people develop chronic arthritis, neurological problems, and heart difficulties. Other symptoms include:
- Severe headaches or migraines
- Continued fatigue
- Vertigo or dizziness
- Arthritis in joints near the site of infection
- Disturbances in heart rhythm
- Aching, stiff neck
- Migrating pains (that come and go) in joints/tendons
- Concentration issues or mental fogginess
- Insomnia or sleep issues
- Numbness in feet, hands, legs, and arms
- Problems processing information
At this stage, people may feel like their head is in a cloud. If you feel you have any (or several) of these symptoms after being bitten by a tick, seek a Lyme-literate physician immediately for further testing.