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.
However, around one in three people with Lyme disease won't develop this rash. Some people with Lyme disease also experience flu-like symptoms in the early stages, such as tiredness (fatigue), muscle pain, joint pain, headaches, a high temperature (fever), chills and neck stiffness.