Ophthalmic manifestations include decreased vision, double vision, pain, photophobia, and facial weakness. Systemic complaints may include headache, malaise, fatigue, fever, chills, palpitations, or muscle/joint pains. A history of a tick bite within the previous few months may be elicited.
Ocular
Conjunctivitis (most common), episcleritis, exposure keratopathy (due to cranial nerve VII palsy), stromal keratitis, iritis, vitritis, choroiditis, optic neuritis or perineuritis, bilateral optic nerve edema (frequently in children with disseminated disease), cranial nerve palsies, and idiopathic orbital inflammatory syndrome. See specific sections.
Critical Systemic
One or more flat, erythematous, or bulls eye skin lesions, which enlarge in all directions (erythema migrans); unilateral or bilateral facial nerve palsies; polyarticular migratory arthritis. May not be present at the time ocular signs develop.
Other Systemic
Meningitis, peripheral radiculoneuropathy, synovitis, joint effusions, and cardiac abnormalities.
NOTE: |
A positive interpretation is generally considered if 5 out of 10 IgG bands are positive or 2 out of 3 IgM bands are positive. IgM is helpful for acute presentation (<4 weeks). IgG antibodies may take 4 to 6 weeks to develop. |
Early Lyme Disease (Including Lyme-Related Uveitis, Keratitis, or Facial Nerve Palsy)
Patients With Neuro-Ophthalmic Signs or Recurrent or Resistant Infection