Some result from exposures to medicines or chemicals. For example, alcohol abuse can cause fetal alcohol syndrome. Infections during pregnancy can also result in birth defects. For most birth defects, the cause is unknown.
Much like Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Lyme often causes a profound exhaustion that is significantly worse than what is seen in other illnesses. Fatigue is common in Lyme disease because energy is being used to battle the systemic infection. Therefore, antibiotics can play an important role in the treatment. Other causes of fatigue, such as anemia, sleep apnea, hormonal disturbances and lifestyle factors should also be evaluated.
If left untreated, Lyme disease may progress to cause intermittent joint pain and swelling, meningitis, facial paralysis (Bell's palsy), weakness and numbness in the arms and legs, memory problems, and may rarely affect the heart or eyes. For more on Lyme disease, read the condition article: Lyme Disease. It takes the body's immune system some time to begin producing Borrelia antibodies. Lab tests can detect two different classes of antibodies.