Private MD News

Lyme disease presents varied symptoms

Category: Lyme Disease

Individuals who are experiencing symptoms like confusion or memory lapses may benefit from talking to their doctor about Lyme disease testing. Experts say the condition may present a number of vague and confusing symptoms, which can make diagnosing the disease somewhat difficult.

Robert Jones, a physician at Reading Hospital in Pennsylvania, told the Reading Eagle that most people who are concerned about exposure to Lyme disease look for a bull's eye-shaped rash. While this is a dead giveaway, it is not present in all cases.

"Like any disease, if people present with symptoms the way textbooks are written, it's a lot easier," he told the news source. "If there's a bull's-eye rash and flu-like symptoms, it's not too difficult."

Many people who do not present these telltale symptoms experience other problems, such as cognitive impairments and fatigue. These symptoms are frequently misdiagnosed.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that Lyme disease is the fifth most common Nationally Notifiable disease. Given how common it is and the potential serious consequences, individuals should know all the warning signs and seek Lyme disease testing if they think they may have the condition.