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.
Back to top. Common Lyme disease signs and symptoms: Skin rash (erythema migrans), often in a bullâs eye pattern; Fever; Chills; Headache; Fatigue; Neck stiffness; Joint pain, stiffness, or swelling; Muscle pain or weakness; Temporary facial paralysis; Numbness in the limbs; Heart palpitations or irregular heart beat; Neurologic problems, such as dizziness and confusion