Lyme Disease

Question 1

How is Lyme disease transmitted?

Answer 1

by ticks

bites of immature black legged or deer ticks

Question 2

T/F Lyme disease is spread between humans.

Answer 2

F

Question 3

What history should you ask for if you suspect lyme?

Answer 3

tick exposure or travel to area where lyme is present

Question 4

What are the symptoms of Lyme disease?

Answer 4

non-specific sx but has a “BULLS EYE RASH”

erythema migranes, fatigue, chills, fever, headache, myalgia and joint aches, lymphadenopathy

Question 5

If untreated, what symptoms can manifest in lyme disease?

Answer 5

1. facial/bells palsy
2. severe headaches and neck stiffness
3. pain and swelling in large joints
4. shooting pain that may interfere with sleep
5. Heart palp, heart block, dizziness

Question 6

how do you diagnose Lyme.

Answer 6

clinical presentation and history of tick bite.

Question 7

how do you confirm lyme disease with laboratory testing?

Answer 7

antibody testing (may be negative early on, may also have false +)

Question 8

If you suspect lyme infection what should you do while you wait for lab confirmation?

Answer 8

begin treatment w/ doxycycline or amoxicillin.

Question 9

What happens in late stages of lyme disease?

Answer 9

1. develope cardiac or neurologic involvement
2. lyme arthritis
3. Post treatment lyme disease symdrome (PTLDS) which is likely due to an autoimmune response

Question 10

how do you prevent lyme disease?

Answer 10

1. avoid heavily wooded areas
2. use of DEET or permethrin repellants
3. tick check
4. appropriate removal of tick