The scientific name for Lyme disease is Lyme borreliosis. It is the most common tick-borne disease in the Northern Hemisphere. The bite of infected ticks transmits Borrelia to humans. Early symptoms may include fever, headache, fatigue, depression, and a characteristic circular skin rash called erythema migraines.
Left untreated, later symptoms may involve the joints, heart, and central nervous system. (Id.) In most cases, the infection and its symptoms are eliminated by antibiotics, especially if the illness is treated early. (Id.) Delayed or inadequate treatment can lead to more serious symptoms, which can be disabling and difficult to treat. (Id.).
In these more severe cases, Lyme Disease can cause muscle and joint pain, swollen glands, heart palpitations, difficulty with cognitive functioning such as memory and concentration, migraine headaches, difficulty with exertion (movement), extreme fatigue and other neurological problems.
If a condition like Lyme Disease causes a Social Security Disability claimant to be unable to perform substantial gainful activity for a one-year period, the claimant may be eligible for Social Security disability.
