Lyme Disease May Be Misdiagnosed

Consequences and Medical Negligence

A bacterial infection transmitted by ticks, Lyme Disease may be misdiagnosed. This can lead to delays in treatment and severe long term health consequences. Lyme Disease is transmitted through the bite of tick and is normally found in more rural areas where there might be a high tick population.

While ticks can be active all year round, they are typically active between April to July. They tend to be found in grassy or wooded areas. Lyme is a disease which may be misdiagnosed for a number of other health conditions. A misdiagnosis can form the basis of a medical negligence claim. This is if a doctor has failed to diagnose and treat the condition appropriately.

If you have suffered from a misdiagnosis through no fault of yours, you may consider a medical negligence claim. Jefferies Claims can help you with this process.

Common Misdiagnoses of Lyme Disease

Lyme Disease has a variety of symptoms and may be mistaken for some other conditions, such as:

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS)/Myalgic Encephalomyelitis (ME): The persistent fatigue, muscle pain, and cognitive impairment associated with Lyme disease can resemble CFS/ME. This can lead to incorrect treatment.

Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Lyme disease can cause neurological symptoms such as numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, and problems with coordination. These are also hallmark symptoms of MS, which may lead to confusion in diagnosis.

Fibromyalgia: Lyme disease can cause widespread pain, joint stiffness, and sleep disturbances, which are also characteristic of fibromyalgia. Patients misdiagnosed with fibromyalgia may be given painkillers rather than antibiotics. This can lead to progression of Lyme Disease.

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA): Lyme arthritis, a later-stage symptom of Lyme disease, causes joint inflammation and pain that closely mimics RA. However, RA is an autoimmune disease requiring immunosuppressive treatment. This type of treatment can exacerbate Lyme disease if incorrectly prescribed.

Lupus: Lyme disease can cause symptoms such as joint pain, rashes, and fatigue, which can lead to a mistaken diagnosis of lupus, an autoimmune disorder.

Alzheimer’s Disease/Dementia: In some cases, Lyme disease can cause cognitive impairment, memory loss, and confusion. This could potentially lead to misdiagnosis as early-onset Alzheimer’s or dementia, particularly in older patients.

Depression/Anxiety Disorders: Neurological and cognitive symptoms of Lyme Disease include mood changes, anxiety, and depression. This would mean a misdiagnosis of a primary mental health disorder rather than an underlying infection.

 Consequences of Misdiagnosing Lyme Disease

Lyme disease may be misdiagnosed and the consequences for the patient can be severe. Some of the key issues arising from misdiagnosis include:

Delayed Treatment: Lyme disease is most effectively treated with antibiotics in the early stages. However, a misdiagnosis means patients do not receive the necessary antibiotics, allowing the infection to progress.

Chronic Lyme Disease/Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS): If untreated or inadequately treated, Lyme disease can develop into a chronic condition. This may include persistent fatigue, joint pain, and neurological symptoms, which can significantly impact a patient’s quality of life.

Irreversible Neurological Damage: In some cases, Lyme disease can lead to long-term nerve damage. Facial palsy, neuropathy, and cognitive dysfunction can result from this.

Incorrect Treatments and Side Effects: Misdiagnosed patients may be prescribed medications for conditions they do not have. Such as immunosuppressants for suspected autoimmune diseases which can further weaken their immune system.

Emotional and Psychological Distress: Patients who are misdiagnosed may suffer from anxiety and depression due to worsening symptoms.

Financial Burden: A misdiagnosis can lead to unnecessary medical expenses, lost wages due to illness, and additional costs associated with seeking second opinions or private healthcare consultations.

Medical Negligence Claims

A medical negligence claim can be made if you suffer harm due to a healthcare provider’s failure to diagnose or treat Lyme disease appropriately. However, there are certain legal criteria which must be met for a successful claim.

Such a claim requires proof that the medical provider failed to diagnose or treat Lyme Disease correctly. It must also be shown that the misdiagnosis directly resulted in harm. This would include evidence such as disease progression, unnecessary treatments and worsening symptoms.

If you, or a loved one, have suffered from Lyme Disease which was misdiagnosed and believe you have a claim for medical negligence, contact Jefferies Claims today. We only work with lawyers who will assess all aspects of your case and who operate on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis.

Contact Jefferies Claims today at 0333 358 3034. Alternatively, complete our online contact form to arrange an free, no-obligation telephone consultation with a member of our expert team.