Table of Contents
Complications
Prompt treatment with antibiotics is very effective in curing Lyme disease in nearly all infected people, including children. However, untreated Lyme disease can lead to complications.
Complications of Late-Stage Lyme Disease
People at highest risk for persistent symptoms are those who go the longest before treatment. Fortunately, public vigilance has significantly reduced the rates of late-stage Lyme disease. Antibiotics given at late stages will relieve symptoms in most people, although about 5% may continue to have problems.
Left untreated, Lyme disease can spread (disseminate). The infection may affect almost any part of the body and cause the following complications:
- Severe arthritis
- Persistent fatigue
- Mood disturbances and loss of concentration
- Neuropathy (numbness, tingling, or other odds sensations in the hands, arms, feet or legs)
- Life-threatening disorders affecting the heart, lungs, or nervous system can occur, but are very rare.
About 60% of untreated patients develop arthritis, which usually affects a knee or other large joint. About 10 - 20% of patients develop neurological or heart problems.
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Review Date: 01/13/2011
Reviewed By: Harvey Simon, MD, Editor-in-Chief, Associate Professor of Medicine,
Harvard Medical School; Physician, Massachusetts General Hospital.
Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M.,
Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
