Can Lyme Disease Cause Encephalitis?
Lyme disease is a bacterial disease that is acquired by humans through a bite from a tick if the insect is carrying the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi. Ticks without Borrelia burgdorferi will not cause Lyme disease. Usually, the ticks that are carriers of the Borrelia burgdorferi are quite small. Borrelia burgdorferi is a spirochete form of bacteria, and it is the sole trigger for Lyme disease. Lyme disease itself can sometimes cause encephalitis.
Forms of Enchephalitis
Encephalitus is commonly caused by a virus, but it can also be caused by parasites, fungus or bacteria. It results as a swelling or inflammation of the brain tissue. There's also the possibility of inflammation of the spinal cord. Encephalitis can also occur as a viral infection within the body and can then travel towards the brain.
First Symptoms of Encephalitis
Encephalitis is a very rare complication of Lyme disease and having Lyme disease does not mean that encephalitis will develop. If it does develop, symptoms usually result in a fever, loss of appetite, loss of energy, headaches, and nausea.
Treatment of Encephalitis
Depending on the severity of the onset of encephalitis, there are a few treatments available. If the encephalitis is within the early stages of development (within the first 2 weeks of infection), a doctor may prescribe a special diet and painkillers for the headaches. Alternatively, the most common form of medication used is called aciclovir. Aciclovir can be intravenously administered or taken through injection.
Tick Bites
If a tick bite may be infectious, a red, circular mark can appear. It will have a center bite mark area within the reddish area. If you find either a tick feeding upon your body or an unusual red circular mark on the surface of the skin, you will need to consult your doctor.
Treatment of Lyme Disease
Several studies in regards to the treatment and cure for Lyme disease have been funded by the National Institutes of Health. It has been found that particular antibiotics taken orally in the beginning stages of Lyme disease can cure an individual. If Lyme disease is found within its later stages, intravenous antibiotics may need to be administered by medical professionals.
Tick Season
Ticks come out to play, feed and breed during the spring and summer months. Ticks breed in high numbers and they can have hundreds of babies within a year. Their babies can be hard to notice as they are viewed as tiny spiders to the naked eye, measuring only approximately one millimeter in length. After the tick is born, its first aim is to feed. It will feed on the first living thing to whom it can attach itself.
Who Discovered Encephalitis?
Encephalitis was discovered and proved in 1916 by Cleland, Sir John Burton (1878-1971), who was a pathologist, microbiologist and a naturalist. Sir John Burton made several medical discoveries in relation to viruses and diseases.
Tags: Lyme disease, Borrelia burgdorferi, Lyme disease, circular mark, Disease Cause