Although most cases of Lyme disease can be cured within 2-4 weeks, an infected person can experience symptoms that last more than 6 months after treatment. This main complication is known as Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (Post-Lyme Disease Syndrome, PTLDS). The cause of PTLDS is not known, but some believe that the bacterial infection can trigger autoimmune responses that cause symptoms long after the infection has been cured.
There is no proven treatment for PTLDS, but short term antibiotics to treat early Lyme disease is the best way to prevent the complication. If you have been treated for Lyme disease and continue to feel unwell or experience symptoms, be sure to see your health care provider to discuss alternative options to manage your symptoms.
Additionally, the following complications may arise if Lyme disease is left untreated:
Chronic symptoms of joint inflammation (Lyme arthritis) with severe pain and swelling typically in the knees.
Heart problems, including inflammation of the heart (myopericarditis) and problems with an irregular heartbeat (Lyme carditis).
Inflammation of the brain and spinal cord.
Nervous system symptoms, such as numbness in the arms or legs, tingling and pain.
Neurological symptoms, such as trouble with speech, memory, and concentration (Neurologic Lyme Disease).
Neurologic symptoms of inflammation (meningitis) and weakness and facial paralysis (Bell’s palsy, facial palsy).