Lyme Disease Treatments Abilene TX

Find top doctors who perform Lyme Disease Treatments in Abilene, TX. Whether you’re seeking treatment or looking to schedule a preventative screening, we can connect you with the best dermatologists near you in Abilene, TX.

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Lyme Disease Treatments FAQ in Abilene, TX

What does Lyme disease do if left untreated?

If left untreated, infection can spread to joints, the heart, and the nervous system. Lyme disease is diagnosed based on symptoms, physical findings (e.g., rash), and the possibility of exposure to infected ticks. Laboratory testing is helpful if used correctly and performed with validated methods.

How do you test for Lyme disease?

A doctor will test your blood for antibodies that are trying to fight the bacteria in your blood. One of these tests is called the ELISA test, and you’ll often have a second test called the Western blot test to confirm you have Lyme disease. To treat Lyme disease, you may need to take antibiotics for up to a month.

How long does it take to recover from Lyme disease?

Lyme disease treatment with antibiotics is successful most of the time, but the disease lingers sometimes. People with early stage Lyme disease may recover in a few weeks with treatment, but recovery time may be as long as six months for late stage Lyme disease.

Does Lyme disease show up on MRI?

In addition, Lyme disease occasionally produces other abnormalities that are similar to those seen in MS, including positive findings on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of the brain and analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

What does Lyme disease do to a person?

Lyme disease is a bacterial infection you get from the bite of an infected tick. At first, Lyme disease usually causes symptoms such as a rash, fever, headache, and fatigue. But if it is not treated early, the infection can spread to your joints, heart, and nervous system. Prompt treatment can help you recover quickly.

What happens if Lyme disease is not treated?

Lyme disease that goes untreated for many months or years may be harder to treat with antibiotics. Untreated cases can progress to serious, even fatal health conditions, from arthritis and nerve pain to cardiac arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) or Lyme neuroborreliosis (inflammation of the brain and spine).

What does the beginning of Lyme disease feel like?

Early Lyme disease may feel like the flu: fever, sore muscles, headache and fatigue. Some people may develop a highly distinctive rash, which may look like a bull’s-eye. However, many people with Lyme never knew they were bitten and never developed a rash. The CDC reports that rashes occur in 60-80% of cases.

Does Lyme disease cause permanent damage?

Most people with Lyme disease respond well to antibiotics and fully recover. Varying degrees of permanent nervous system damage may develop in people who do not receive treatment in the early stages of illness and who develop late-stage Lyme disease.

How do you know if you have chronic Lyme disease?

Chronic Lyme disease is an ongoing Borrelia burgdorferi infection that can involve any body system or tissue. The infection produces a wide range of symptoms and signs, which can be debilitating for some patients. Common symptoms include severe fatigue, migratory musculoskeletal pain, headaches, and impaired memory.

What is the fastest way to cure Lyme disease?

Antibiotic pills The standard treatment for Lyme disease is an antibiotic taken as a pill. The treatment usually lasts 10 to 14 days. Treatment may be longer depending on your symptoms. It’s important to take all pills as directed even if you’re feeling better.

What is the latest treatment for Lyme disease?

Researchers found that a neglected antibiotic called hygromycin A selectively kills the bacteria that cause Lyme disease.

Can doxycycline cure late stage Lyme disease?

Although early-stage LD can be successfully treated with doxycycline or amoxicillin, late-stage LD with arthritis and neurological symptoms can be refractory to antibiotic treatment.

Does Lyme disease show up in blood work years later?

These antibodies can persist long after the infection is gone. This means that if your blood tests positive, then it will likely continue to test positive for months or even years even though the bacteria are no longer present.

What does Stage 2 Lyme disease look like?

Symptoms of early disseminated Lyme disease (Stage 2) may occur weeks to months after the tick bite, and may include: Numbness or pain in the distribution of a nerve. Paralysis or weakness in the muscles of the face, especially a facial nerve palsy. Meningitis, characterized by severe headache, stiff neck, fever.

Is Lyme disease serious?

More serious symptoms may develop if Lyme disease is left untreated or is not treated early. These can include: pain and swelling in the joints. nerve problems – such as numbness or pain in your limbs.