When Lyme disease is treated in its early stages, the treatment success rates are very high, and patients can expect to be cured within two to four weeks of the start of treatment. However, some symptoms may continue for months post-treatment due to a condition known as post-treatment Lyme disease syndrome (PTLDS). If left untreated, the progression of Lyme disease can have far-reaching effects on your body. Early-stage Lyme disease is characterized by a rash that resembles a bullseye and flu-like symptoms. If Lyme disease is not treated at the early stage, categorized as the early localized stage, it will progress into the early disseminated stage and then late disseminated stage. The following symptoms characterize these latter stages: • Early disseminated: After approximately one month of Lyme disease, it will progress into the early dissemination stage, which could last for up to four months. The early dissemination stage characteristics are multiplying and expanded rashes, joint pain, numbness or weakness, inability to control facial muscles, headaches or fainting, poor memory or concentration, conjunctivitis (pink eye), and heart palpitations. • Late disseminated: If Lyme disease is not successfully treated after four months, it will progress into the third and final stage, affecting the brain, joints, and nerves for months or years after the initial infection. This third stage can be characterized by arthritis, numbness or tingling in the back or hands, extreme fatigue, inability to control facial muscles, challenges with memory, mood, or speech, insomnia, and, rarely, heart problems.