No one will have all symptoms but if many are present serious consideration must be given by any physician to Lyme as the possible culprit. The infection rate with Lyme in the tick population is exploding in North America and as the earth's temperature warms this trend is expected to continue.
Symptoms may come and go in varying degrees with fluctuation from one symptom to another. There may be a period of what feels like remission only to be followed by another onset of symptoms.
PRINT AND CIRCLE ALL YES ANSWERS (20 yes represents a serious potential and Lyme should be included in diagnostic workup)
Symptoms of Lyme Disease
The Tick Bite (fewer than 50% recall a tick bite or get/see the rash)
1.
Rash at site of bite
2.
Rashes on other parts of your body
3.
Rash basically circular and spreading out (or generalized)
4.
Raised rash, disappearing and recurring
Head, Face, Neck
5.Unexplained hair loss
6.Headache, mild or severe, Seizures
7.Pressure in Head, White Matter Lesions in Head (MRI)
8.Twitching of facial or other muscles
9.Facial paralysis (
Bell's Palsy)
10.Tingling of nose, (tip of) tongue, cheek or
facial flushing
11.Stiff or painful neck
12.Jaw pain or stiffness
13.Dental problems (unexplained)
14.Sore throat, clearing throat a lot, phlegm (flem), hoarseness, runny nose
Eyes/Vision
15.Double or blurry vision
16.Increased floating spots
17.Pain in eyes, or swelling around eyes
18.Oversensitivity to light
19.Flashing lights/Peripheral waves/phantom images in corner of eyes
Ears/Hearing
20.Decreased hearing in one or both ears, plugged ears
21.Buzzing in ears
22.Pain in ears, oversensitivity to sounds
23.Ringing in one or both ears
Digestive and Excretory Systems
24.Diarrhea
25.Constipation
26.Irritable bladder (trouble starting, stopping) or Interstitial cystitis
27.Upset stomach (nausea or pain) or GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease)
Musculoskeletal System
28.Bone pain, joint pain or swelling, carpal tunnel syndrome
29.Stiffness of joints, back, neck, tennis elbow
30.Muscle pain or cramps, (
Fibromyalgia)
Respiratory and Circulatory Systems
31.Shortness of breath, can't get full/satisfying breath, cough
32.Chest pain or rib soreness
33.Night sweats or unexplained chills
34.Heart palpitations or extra beats
35.
Endocarditis, Heart blockage
Neurologic System
36.Tremors or unexplained shaking
37.Burning or stabbing sensations in the body
38.Fatigue,
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Weakness, peripheral neuropathy or partial paralysis
39.Pressure in the head
40.Numbness in body, tingling, pinpricks
41.Poor balance, dizziness, difficulty walking
42.Increased motion sickness
43.Lightheadedness, wooziness
Psychological well-being
44.Mood swings, irritability, bi-polar disorder
45.Unusual depression
46.Disorientation (getting or feeling lost)
47.Feeling as if you are losing your mind
48.Over-emotional reactions, crying easily
49.Too much sleep, or insomnia
50.Difficulty falling or staying asleep
51.Narcolepsy, sleep apnea
52.Panic attacks, anxiety
Mental Capability
53.Memory loss (short or long term)
54.Confusion, difficulty in thinking
55.Difficulty with concentration or reading
56.Going to the wrong place
57.Speech difficulty (slurred or slow)
58.Stammering speech
59.Forgetting how to perform simple tasks
Reproduction and Sexuality
60.Loss of sex drive
61.Sexual dysfunction
62.Unexplained menstrual pain, irregularity
63.Unexplained breast pain, discharge
64.Testicular or pelvic pain
General Well-being
65.Unexplained weight gain, loss
66.Extreme fatigue
67.Swollen glands/lymph nodes
68.Unexplained fevers (high or low grade)
69.Continual infections (sinus, kidney, eye, etc.)
70.Symptoms seem to change, come and go
71.Pain migrates (moves) to different body parts
72.Early on, experienced a "flu-like" illness, after which you have not since felt well.
73.Low body temperature
74.Allergies/Chemical sensitivities
75.Increased effect from alcohol and possible worse hangover
Print and take this list with you to your doctor's visit. Identify as many symptoms that apply to you and make sure they are real and related to your illness. Be prepared to explain each one to your doctor so he/she knows to what extent you are affected. Keep a journal, daily if possible, of your symptoms and record all pertinent information.