As we’ve covered in multiple
past articles, Lyme Disease can be difficult to identify and treat. With such a vast array of symptoms varying from person to person, it should come as no surprise that many people infected by tick-borne illnesses are misdiagnosed with diseases and conditions with similar hallmark symptoms. However, the danger of misdiagnosing Lyme Disease is more than just taking the wrong medication. When left untreated for extended periods, this seemingly minor condition has the potential to turn chronic and permanent. Read on to discover some detrimental signs that your Lyme Disease may have been misdiagnosed. If you’ve suffered from Lyme disease and have been misdiagnosed, contact your experienced
NYC Disease Malpractice Attorney today to build your personal injury case.
A slow progression of symptoms.
A tick bite is often addressed when a bullseye rash appears at the bite site. However, it’s not a guarantee that each person will develop this hallmark sign, even if they do get bitten and contract Lyme. Signs of early infection include:
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Joint stiffness
If these symptoms are missed or ignored, Lyme disease can quickly escalate. Over time, some more chronic symptoms include:
- Facial palsy
- Migraines
- Arthritis and joint swelling
- Nerve pain
- Dizziness
- Tingling or numbness in limbs
- Shortness of breath
- Heart palpitations
Often, a physician will misdiagnose a patient with Lyme Disease and assign the symptoms to another illness. Here are the top ones, according to Practical Pain Management:
- Viral infections such as influenza or infectious mononucleosis (both cause fever, muscles aches and fatigue)
- Multiple sclerosis (both cause nervous system symptoms)
- Arthritis (both cause joint pain)
- Fibromyalgia
- Chronic fatigue syndrome
- Other tick-borne illnesses
A false negative test.
Unfortunately, testing for Lyme disease isn’t always accurate or correct. If a patient suspects they have been bitten by a tick and requests a standard blood test, it may be too early to detect. A false negative gives the physician and the patient the idea that they are clear, when this isn’t always the case. In fact, there are countless cases of people who received negative Lyme Disease blood tests who went on to suffer chronic cases. The Western blot method, used in conjunction with a blood test and/or the ELISA test, and consulting with an infectious disease specialist is the best way to protect yourself and receive the proper diagnosis and treatment.
Misdiagnosis of Lyme Disease causes pain and suffering to thousands of people each year in the United States. If you believe you’ve been wrongfully diagnosed, you need someone in your corner to help you fight for the monetary damages that injured victims like you deserve.
Contact Your Medical Malpractice Attorney
If you have received a wrong diagnosis and your Lyme disease was left unchecked and untreated, an NYC Medical Malpractice lawyer can help. We understand the frustration of a misdiagnosis and the dire consequences of this disease, and we have helped thousands of injury victims receive the help and monetary reward for pain and suffering which they deserve. Contact the law offices of Ronemus & Vilensky today by calling 212-779-7070, or filling out our, no-obligation free consultation today.
