Identifying Lyme In The Schools

How a child or adolescent with undiagnosed Lyme Disease might present to:  

The Teacher

· Lethargy, fatigue · Difficulty remaining in class
· Moodiness, depression, anxiety 
· Early morning absences 
· Withdrawal from peers 
· Erratic academic performance 
· Headaches or other physical complaints 
· Declining grades
· Behavioral problems 
· Attentional disorders 
· Speaking and writing difficulty 
· Poor concentration and memory 
· Declining school attendance
· Tardiness

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The School Nurse

· Frequent headaches · Gastrointestinal symptoms
· Joint pain, twitching  · Vision Problems 
· Dizziness, disorientation  · Depression, anxiety, mood swings 
· Sleep disturbance  · Severe PMS
· Sensitivity to sound, light, or other stimulation  · Profound fatigue 

 

 

 

  

 

 

The Guidance Counselor

· Difficulty maintaining a full schedule                     · Decline in academic performance
· Erratic attendance, tardiness  · Withdrawal from peers
· Difficulty remaining in class  · Change to lower functioning peer group 
· Behavior problems 

 

 

 

 

 

Note: Lyme disease symptoms may be persistent or transitory.

 

Click here for printable pdf of article.

 

Sandy Berenbaum, LCSW, BCD
Family Connections Center for Children
Offices in Brewster, NY and Southbury, CT
www.lymefamilies.com
Ph: (203) 240-7787 Fax: (203) 405-6200

 

© 2005