Lyme Disease Treatments Lowell MA

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

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Lyme Disease Treatments FAQ in Lowell, MA

How do you test for Lyme disease years later?

The diagnosis of late-stage Lyme disease can be very difficult, and is usually made by a specialist in infectious diseases. The diagnosis can be confirmed if the affected person has had the characteristic ‘bull’s eye’ rash and has lived or worked in areas where ticks are present, or with a blood test.

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.

Can untreated Lyme disease be cured?

Without early diagnosis and antibiotic treatment, Lyme disease can cause many serious long-term health complications. But even people with late-stage Lyme disease can recover fully with the right treatment. It may take longer to get back to normal, and you may need several courses of medication.

What are 4 late symptoms of Lyme disease?

Symptoms of late stage Lyme disease Facial palsy, also known as Bell’s palsy – paralysis of one side of the face. Arthritis or joint pain and swelling, especially of large joints (such as the knee) Intermittent tendon, muscle, joint, nerve, or bone pain. Heart palpitations or arrhythmia.

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.

What diseases mimic Lyme disease?

Called the “great imitator,” Lyme disease can present a variety of symptoms that mimic a wide range of illnesses, including chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, ALS, Alzheimer’s disease, depression, insomnia, and autoimmune disorders such as RA and Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

Can you get rid of Lyme disease?

Although most cases of Lyme disease can be cured with a 2- to 4-week course of oral antibiotics, patients can sometimes have symptoms of pain, fatigue, or difficulty thinking that lasts for more than 6 months after they finish treatment. This condition is called Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS).

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.

How many days should you take doxycycline for Lyme disease?

Doxycycline is given for 10 to 21 days, and amoxicillin and cefuroxime are given for 14 to 21 days. Antibiotics prevent worsening of the disease and may decrease the duration and severity of symptoms. (See “Musculoskeletal manifestations of Lyme disease”.)

What kind of doctor tests for Lyme disease?

Rheumatologists are doctors who are experts in diagnosing and treating diseases that can affect joints and muscles, including infections such as Lyme disease. Primary care physicians and infectious disease doctors also diagnose and treat people with Lyme disease.

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.

Why can’t doctors treat Lyme disease?

Because there are no definitive tests or treatments for this condition, patients who have symptoms can be dismissed by the medical establishment. Many are denied medications such as antibiotics they believe can control the chronic infections they suspect they have.