Lyme Disease and CFS misdiagnosis

Posted on 22nd October 2019

A report by a panel of UK infectious disease experts have found that many people who think they are suffering with Lyme Disease may have been misdiagnosed and are really experiencing Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (CFS).

Patients who have been diagnosed with Lyme Disease are generally put on a long course of antibiotics. GP misdiagnosis or hospital misdiagnosis of the disease may result in patients becoming resistant to antibiotics, which could lead to other infections, including sepsis.

Misdiagnosis

Julia Knight of Lyme Disease UK, a patient support group, has stated there is a bigger problem in that some GP’s believe that Lyme Disease does not exist in the UK. It is common for these patients to then be diagnosed with CFS, as the symptoms are similar.

In a role reversal, Lyme Disease can also be misdiagnosed where the condition turns out to be CFS.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome itself can divide medical professionals with some considering it involving problems with the immune system, while others believe there may be psychological factors that contribute to the condition.

What is Lyme Disease?

It is an infectious disease where a tick bite is the most common cause of infection. Often a patient won’t even realise they have been bitten by a tick and as such, it can prove difficult to diagnose.

What are the symptoms of Lyme Disease?

It is difficult to diagnose Lyme Disease as the symptoms are similar to many other conditions:

headaches
joint and muscle pain
tiredness and loss of energy
high temperature
feeling hot and shivery

Other symptoms that can develop over time include:

memory problems or trouble concentrating
nerve problems such as numbness
pain and swelling in the joints
heart problems

Misdiagnosis claims

Misdiagnosis of an illness can cause even more medical problems and so it is important that you contact a specialist medical negligence solicitor who can deal with misdiagnosis claims. Blackwater Law are able to help prove your case by employing specialists in your case who understand your medical conditions and with the help of your misdiagnosis solicitor, will present your case in the most effective way to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.