Children & Teens
Lyme disease does not discriminate by age. Children spend time outdoors, crawl through grass and brush, and may not notice an attached tick — putting them at significant risk. As a parent or caregiver, knowing how Lyme presents in children and how to advocate effectively can profoundly affect your child's outcome.
How Symptoms Differ in Children
Children experience many of the same symptoms as adults, but certain features may be more pronounced or easier to miss:
- Facial nerve palsy (Bell's palsy): Drooping or weakness on one side of the face — more commonly seen in children with Lyme than in adults
- Behavioral and mood changes: Irritability, emotional outbursts, or unusual anxiety may signal neurological involvement before other symptoms appear
- Declining school performance: Difficulty concentrating, memory problems, and processing difficulties may emerge before the illness is recognized
- Profound fatigue: Children may stop wanting to participate in activities they previously enjoyed
- Joint pain: Usually affecting the knees, often intermittent — sometimes dismissed as growing pains
- Headaches: Can be persistent and severe
Performing Tick Checks on Children
After any outdoor time, perform a full-body tick check — especially in the scalp, behind the ears, neck, armpits, belly button, groin, and behind the knees. See our Tick Check guide for a step-by-step approach. Showering within two hours of coming inside significantly reduces tick attachment risk.
Questions for the Pediatrician
If your child has been in tick habitat and develops unexplained illness, specifically raise the possibility of Lyme disease. Ask: "Has my child been tested for Lyme disease? Could these symptoms relate to a tick bite? Should we test for co-infections? Can you refer us to a Lyme-experienced specialist?"
School and Social Impact
Children with Lyme disease — especially those with neurological or cognitive effects — may need accommodations at school. These can include extended time on tests, modified schedules, or homebound instruction during acute illness. See our School & Work Support page for guidance on navigating accommodations and communicating with school administrators.
Supporting Teenagers
A Lyme diagnosis can disrupt athletic participation, social development, and academic progress during adolescence in ways that feel particularly devastating. Teenagers benefit from emotional validation, connection with peers who understand, and mental health support as part of a comprehensive care plan. See our Mental Health Support page.