Untreated Lyme disease can produce a wide range of symptoms, depending on the stage of infection. These include fever, rash, facial paralysis, and arthritis.
Facial Palsy Swollen Knee classic erythema migrans rash Early Signs and Symptoms (3 to 30 Days After Tick Bite)
Fever, chills, headache, fatigue, muscle and joint aches, and swollen lymph nodes may occur in the absence of rash
Erythema migrans (EM) rash (see photos):
Occurs in approximately 70 to 80 percent of infected persons
Begins at the site of a tick bite after a delay of 3 to 30 days (average is about 7 days)
Expands gradually over several days reaching up to 12 inches or more (30 cm) across
May feel warm to the touch but is rarely itchy or painful
Sometimes clears as it enlarges, resulting in a target or “bull’s-eye” appearance
May appear on any area of the body
Does not always appear as a “classic” erythema migrans rash
Later Signs and Symptoms (days to months after tick bite)
Severe headaches and neck stiffness
Additional EM rashes on other areas of the body
Facial palsy (loss of muscle tone or droop on one or both sides of the face)
Arthritis with severe joint pain and swelling, particularly the knees and other large joints.
Intermittent pain in tendons, muscles, joints, and bones
Heart palpitations or an irregular heart beat (Lyme carditis)
Episodes of dizziness or shortness of breath
Inflammation of the brain and spinal cord
Nerve pain
Shooting pains, numbness, or tingling in the hands or feet
Page last reviewed: January 15, 2021
Comments