Symptoms of Lyme disease can vary widely but often follow three stages:
1. Early Localized Stage: This stage occurs 3 to 30 days after a tick bite. The hallmark symptom is a rash called erythema migrans, which often resembles a "bull's-eye" pattern. Other early symptoms include fever, chills, headache, fatigue, muscle and joint aches, and swollen lymph nodes.
2. Early Disseminated Stage: If untreated, the infection may spread to other parts of the body, leading to additional rashes, facial palsy, heart palpitations, and dizziness. This stage can occur weeks to months after the initial bite.
3. Late Disseminated Stage: Months to years after the infection, some individuals may develop severe symptoms such as arthritis, particularly in the knees, and neurological problems like meningitis, neuropathy, and cognitive difficulties.
