I am a physician investigating a workers compensation claim in which the client claims he was bitten by a tic while at a work retreat in Georgia in May 2015. My question is whether Lyme disease is common in Georgia and whether it can cause Bell s Palsey.
Hello, Yes, Lyme disease can cause Bells palsy. Caused by the bacterium Cordelia burgdorferi and transmitted to humans through the bite of infected black legged ticks, the typical symptoms of Lyme disease include fever, headache, fatigue, and a characteristic skin rash called Erythema migrant. If left untreated, infection can spread to joints, the heart, and the nervous system. Neurological involvement in the form of Bells palsy may follow weeks or months after infection. As per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Lyme disease is common in Georgia. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.