What happens if Lyme disease is left untreated?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Untreated Lyme disease can cause serious long-term complications, including joint inflammation (Lyme arthritis), heart problems such as irregular heartbeat (Lyme carditis), and neurological issues like facial paralysis, nerve pain, and memory problems. Early diagnosis and antibiotic treatment are critical to preventing these outcomes.

If you've been bitten by a tick or are experiencing symptoms like a bullseye rash, fatigue, joint pain, or fever, don't wait to find out what's going on. A free, instant, online symptom check can help you understand your symptoms in minutes and guide your next steps—whether that's monitoring at home or seeing a doctor right away. Because with Lyme disease, timing matters, taking a few minutes now could save you from serious complications later.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/15/2026

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Explanation

Untreated Lyme disease can cause a range of health issues over time. Joint Problems: One of the common problems is arthritis, especially in children, which can cause swelling and pain in the knees and other large joints. Heart and Nerve Issues: It can also lead to problems with the heart and the nervous system. Some people may experience heart rhythm problems or issues with memory and concentration. Long-term Effects: If not treated, these problems can become more severe and harder to manage. If you're experiencing any concerning symptoms, use Ubie's free AI-powered symptom checker to help determine if you should seek medical attention and prevent potential complications.

(References)

Chodynicka B, Flisiak I, Lukaszuk C, & Bułhak V. (1997). [Late consequences of untreated lyme borreliosis]. Przeglad epidemiologiczny, 9562794.
Szer IS, Taylor E, & Steere AC. (1991). The long-term course of Lyme arthritis in children. The New England journal of medicine, 2052061.
Steere AC. (1995). Musculoskeletal manifestations of Lyme disease. The American journal of medicine, 7726191.

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