| Subject | Contents |
| Definition | A late, persistent inflammatory disease caused by the bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi , which is transmitted by the bite of a deer tick . |
| Alternative Names | Stage 3 Lyme disease; Late persistent Lyme disease; Chronic Lyme Disease |
| Causes, incidence, and risk factors | Tertiary Lyme disease occurs months to years after the initial infection (see Lyme disease for more information). Symptoms include skin, neurological, and musculoskeletal manifestations. |
| Symptoms | joint inflammation in the knees and other large joints chronicarthritismemory lossmood changessleep disorders Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease: numbness and tinglingconsciousness, decreasedconfusion abnormal sensitivity to light |
| Signs and tests | An ELISA shows antibodies to Borrelia burgdorferi . A Western blot test is done to confirm ELISA results. A spinal tap will be abnormal if central nervous signs are present. |
| Treatment | The objective of treatment is to eliminate the infection by antibiotic therapy. A high dose of penicillin or ceftriaxone is usually required in the late stages of the disease to treat the infection. |
| Support Groups | |
| Expectations (prognosis) | Symptoms of arthritis may fail to resolve with treatment. Other symptoms should improve with treatment. |
| Complications | continued arthritis |
| Calling your health care provider | Call your health care provider if symptoms develop -- particularly if you have had Lyme disease before, or live or travel in high-risk areas. |
| Prevention | Early diagnosis and appropriate antibiotic treatment for primary Lyme disease is the most effective way to prevent tertiary Lyme disease. |
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