Spread by ticks, Lyme disease can cause a long list of facial symptoms. Facial palsy can cause weakness on one, or both, sides of the face. Headaches, eye problems, jaw pain, facial swelling, and more are all face symptoms of Lyme disease. In later stages, more extensive nerve damage can occur. Early diagnosis is key for successful treatment using antibiotics, but alternative treatments later can help bring relief.
Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi. It manifests in various ways throughout the body and has the potential to significantly impact the face. Facial symptoms of Lyme disease can be distressing and they can also indicate the stage of its progression.
In this article we will explore Lyme disease face symptoms to gain a deeper understanding of what they are and the importance of treatment.
What are Lyme Disease Face Symptoms?
Lyme disease face symptoms can vary amongst patients. And for some, it starts with the earliest signs – a bullseye rash. This skin rash happens near the tick bite and can show up on any part of the body. However, it is most prevalent on the thighs, trunk, armpit, lower leg, and the face.
It may start small but as the rash increases in size, it begins to appear as though it has a ring around it. This is one of the first indicators of a tick bite and should result in prompt treatment.
While the rash may or may not impact the face, other Lyme disease face symptoms are possible. Let’s take a look.
Facial Palsy
Facial Palsy, sometimes referred to as Bell’s Palsy, is a weakness of the facial muscles often resulting from an inflamed facial nerve. This nerve, after all, controls the muscles on one side of the face. So, when inflammation is present, it may make it tough to function.
Patients who are showing signs of facial palsy include:
- Drooping of one side of the face
- Difficulty closing one eye
- Inability to smile or frown on one side
- Loss of taste on one side of the tongue
- Excessive tearing or dryness of the eye
There are many reasons this happens and one of them is Lyme disease. The bacteria from the tick bite can cause damage to the joint and nerve system in the face, leading to a sense of paralysis on one side of the face. In this situation, facial palsy does not mean that there is an infection in the central nervous system.
According to the CDC, out of every 100 patients who have reported Lyme disease, nine also have facial palsy.
Other Face Symptoms of Lyme Disease
Other symptoms of Lyme disease can impact the face, in addition to facial palsy. A few of these are listed below.
- Headaches. A very common symptom of Lyme disease is headaches and stiff necks, often simultaneously.
- Eye problems. Inflammation of the eye, blurred vision, and changes in eye color can all result from an encounter with this condition.
- Jaw pain. Lyme disease is known to impact the joints throughout the body. Therefore, joint pain in the jaw’s temporomandibular joint is no surprise.
- Facial swelling. Another indication of Lyme disease is facial swelling, especially around the eyes.
Late-Stage Symptoms
If Lyme disease is not addressed and is left untreated, it can progress. This can lead to more severe facial symptoms, such as:
- Meningitis. This refers to the inflammation of the meninges which is the protective membranes around the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms are often severe headaches, stiff neck, and photopia.
- Encephalitis. This is a condition that refers to inflammation of the brain with symptoms including confusion, seizures, and changes in behavior.
- Neuropathy. The eventual damage caused to nerves can lead to numbness, tingling, or weakness in the face, as well as other areas of the body.
How is Lyme Disease Diagnosed?
Anytime facial weakness or paralysis occurs, it is important to seek medical attention right away. Be sure to let your doctor know that you either have Lyme disease or have been in areas that lead you to suspect that you might. This can help give a place of focus when trying to determine how to treat you.
Your medical team will perform a physical evaluation and likely draw some blood for testing. There is also a good chance that they will have a lot of questions as they try to get to the root cause of your facial symptoms and determine the best course of action.
Treatment for Lyme Disease
Treatment for Lyme disease often starts with antibiotics. If treated promptly, it may be all that is needed to begin feeling better from the condition. However, the types of antibiotics and the duration you will need to take them will vary based on the severity of the diagnosis.
Facial palsy should never be left untreated as it can increase the risk of severe Bell’s palsy on one or even both sides of the face.
For those not successfully treated with the use of antibiotics, alternative treatment methods should be sought.
Effective Lyme Disease Treatment at Lyme Mexico
If you have been diagnosed with Lyme disease or think that you may have the condition, seeking treatment is crucial — especially if you are experiencing facial symptoms. Unfortunately, if it was not received right away or a diagnosis was delayed, then you may find that antibiotics are not effective.
So, what do you do?
You take a step across the border and into the clinic of Lyme Mexico. Dr. Omar Morales is highly skilled with a multidisciplinary approach to treatment that allows each patient an opportunity to achieve remission.
If you are willing to travel outside the country, such as outside the United States, Canada, the UK, Australia, or New Zealand, to see the latest treatments, you may find yourself getting the relief you have been searching for.
At Lyme Mexico, you will find medical professionals with extensive knowledge of Lyme disease and the best methods of finding healing. Using a myriad of modern and alternative treatment methods, patients will receive a personalized treatment plan that will help address specific needs.
Take the step to become a patient of Lyme Mexico or contact us today!
Conclusion
Taking steps to prevent tick bites is always a great way to protect yourself and your loved ones from this potentially serious illness. By understanding the facial symptoms that come with Lyme disease and that treating them as soon as possible is key, you can minimize the risk of more serious issues.
Help is available.