Lyme Disease Treatments Southborough MA

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

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Lyme Disease Treatments FAQ in Southborough, MA

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).

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.

Is it hard to diagnose Lyme disease?

Lyme disease can be difficult to diagnose because early symptoms of fever, severe fatigue, and achiness are also common in many other illnesses. In addition, diagnostic blood tests are not always dependable, particularly in early disease.

What kills Lyme spirochetes?

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

Can Lyme cause death?

If it lands in the heart, it can cause disturbances in cardiac conduction — arrhythmias or even complete heart block; cardiac Lyme disease can lead to death if not detected and treated early.

Can you test for chronic Lyme disease?

Antibody-based tests (ELISA, IFA, Western blot, Immunoblot): These tests detect antibodies against Borrelia burgdorferi in the blood or spinal fluid. This is the most commonly ordered set of tests for Lyme disease.

Is Lyme disease a terminal illness?

Although Lyme disease is rarely life-threatening, delayed treatment can result in more severe disease. People who notice a characteristic rash or other possible symptoms, should consult their healthcare provider.

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 are the long term effects of Lyme disease?

These longer-lasting symptoms may include: Arthritis that begins with Lyme disease and doesn’t improve. Body aches and pains. Constant or frequent tiredness.

Can you get Lyme disease twice?

Yes, you can get Lyme disease twice – or more. This is different from being newly infected by other tick-borne illnesses, such as Ehrlichia or Tick-Borne Relapsing Fever, which can present with Lyme-like symptoms but are actually caused by different bacteria than the Lyme disease bacteria.

Can you recover from Lyme disease on your own?

It’s certainly possible for people to get Lyme disease and to clear the infection on their own, without treatment, said Dr. Kuritzkes. “But it’s better to be treated because some of the complications—like arthritis and myocarditis and damage to the central nervous system—can be very serious,” Dr. Kuritzkes said.

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”.)

Can late stage 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.