A Twist of Lyme: An Approach to Lyme in Endemic Areas

At first, Lyme disease can seem daunting- there are myriad clinical syndromes and patients can even be minimally symptomatic or asymptomatic.  In areas with high prevalence of the causative agent, Borrelia Burgdorferi, which is found in deer ticks, providers are typically accustomed to recognizing the symptoms particularly in the warmer months. However, with climate change, a more interconnected world, and long incubation periods- Lyme may be coming to an area near you! As such, providers in all areas should be familiar with some of the more common syndromes, which diagnostic tests are available, and how to appropriately treat and disposition patients from the emergency department.

References

A review with sources on EMdocs.net