The Three Stages of Lyme Disease

Lyme disease is a progressive condition that comes in three distinct stages: early localized, early disseminated, and late disseminated. While it is easy to diagnose and treat in the first stage, medical care becomes more complicated in the later stages of the disease. Dr. Robin Ridinger from Premier Health and Holistic Medicine has extensive knowledge and expertise in both diagnosing and treating this condition at every stage using a holistic approach.

The Signs and Symptoms of Early Lyme Disease

In the first days and months following a tick bite, Lyme disease is localized, meaning the infection has not spread to other parts of the body. About 80% of people will get a bull’s-eye rash. Other signs include flu-like symptoms including:

  • Headache
  • Fever
  • Fatigue
  • Stiff neck
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Muscle and joint pain

At this stage, an antibody test can often diagnose the disease and antibiotics are an effective treatment.

Lyme Disease in the Later Stages

In the second and third stages of Lyme disease, the infection has spread to other parts of the body. In the early disseminated stage, the rash may have spread to other parts of the body and other symptoms, like numbness in the arms and legs, facial paralysis, dizziness, conjunctiva, heart palpitations, and brain fog can appear.

The final stage is chronic and widespread. It normally takes approximately four months for the infection to progress to this level. People may experience chronic arthritis, issues with gut health, widespread tingling and numbness, mood swings, and debilitating pain and fatigue.

Treating Late-Stage Lyme

Lyme disease is much more difficult to diagnose and treat in the later stages. An antibody test may produce negative results, leadings doctors and patients to cross it off as a possible cause for the symptoms discussed. It takes a practiced, knowledgeable doctor in this condition to identify the symptoms and develop a proper treatment plan.

Find Your Optimal Health

If you have symptoms of Lyme disease that aren’t going away, there’s hope. Schedule a consultation with Dr. Robin Ridinger from Premier Health and Holistic Medicine for a personalized treatment plan today. 

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