To learn more about our treatment approach click here: Overcoming the Pain, Brain Fog and Suffering of Lyme Disease With Integrative Medicine
ABOUT LYME DISEASE- BASIC FACTS AND PREVENTION. Lyme Disease is considered the fastest growing vector–transmitted infectious disease in the U. S.[1] The Centers for Disease Control estimate that Lyme now infects 300,000 people each year, a figure that may underestimate the actual total.
It is transmitted by a tick bite, and caused by a spiral-shaped bacteria, Borrelia burgdorferi. It is known to infect multiple organ systems, including nerves, connective tissue and cartilage. There are at least 5 subspecies and over 100 strains in the U.S. alone, which creates a very complex picture in diagnosis and treatment.
The disease is almost always accompanied by one or more “co-infections,” most notably Bartonella, Babesia, and Mycoplasma. Viruses and macro-parasites (flukes, intestinal worms, etc.) are often present as well. This makes it a very difficult infection to fight, both for the practitioner and the person’s immune system.
Lyme disease has been called the “great imitator”. It can look like Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, neurological, rheumatic, psychiatric, and any difficult-to-diagnose multi-system illness. [2]
Stresses of modern life such as chemicals, toxins, additives, heavy metals, mold, and adrenal stress further burden the immune system.
Prevention
The so called Bull’s Eye rash, appearing around the site of the tick bite, is a definitive diagnosis of Lyme. If a Bull’s Eye is seen, treatment should begin immediately. However, fewer than 50% of confirmed Lyme patients recall being bitten by a tick, and less than 50% of cases report a Bull’s Eye rash. Treatment should begin in the absence of the Bull’s Eye if clinical signs are present.
Conventional blood tests, the ELISA and Western Blot, are also notoriously unreliable, with an estimated 20-35% false negative results.
Lyme is therefore a “Clinical Diagnosis”, that is, your doctor must be trained to recognize the disease from the presenting signs and symptoms.
Joseph J. Burrascano Jr, MD, states: “The sooner treatment is begun after the start of the infection, the higher the success rate. However, since it is easiest to cure early disease, this category of LB must be taken VERY seriously. Undertreated infections will inevitably resurface, usually as chronic Lyme, with its tremendous problems of morbidity and difficulty with diagnosis and treatment and high cost in every sense of the word.”
From ILADS.ORG: “40% OF LYME PATIENTS END UP WITH LONG TERM HEALTH PROBLEMS.
SHORT TREATMENT COURSES HAVE RESULTED IN UPWARDS OF A 40% RELAPSE RATE, ESPECIALLY IF TREATMENT IS DELAYED.”
ABOUT LYME DISEASE- BASIC FACTS AND PREVENTION. Lyme Disease is considered the fastest growing vector–transmitted infectious disease in the U. S.[1] The Centers for Disease Control estimate that Lyme now infects 300,000 people each year, a figure that may underestimate the actual total.
It is transmitted by a tick bite, and caused by a spiral-shaped bacteria, Borrelia burgdorferi. It is known to infect multiple organ systems, including nerves, connective tissue and cartilage. There are at least 5 subspecies and over 100 strains in the U.S. alone, which creates a very complex picture in diagnosis and treatment.
The disease is almost always accompanied by one or more “co-infections,” most notably Bartonella, Babesia, and Mycoplasma. Viruses and macro-parasites (flukes, intestinal worms, etc.) are often present as well. This makes it a very difficult infection to fight, both for the practitioner and the person’s immune system.
Lyme disease has been called the “great imitator”. It can look like Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Fibromyalgia, neurological, rheumatic, psychiatric, and any difficult-to-diagnose multi-system illness. [2]
Stresses of modern life such as chemicals, toxins, additives, heavy metals, mold, and adrenal stress further burden the immune system.
Prevention
- If you spend time outdoors it is recommended to do a tick check at least once daily, and up to 3 times per day if in tick prone areas for extended periods.
- Permethrin, a repellent made from chrysanthemums, is the most effective tick repellent. Spray it on clothes and then allow them to dry. It will remain in clothes for up to 4-5 washings. Be sure to follow the precautions on the label, since Permethrin can be toxic if used improperly. Pulling socks over pant cuffs is helpful to reduce the chance of ticks crawling up legs.
- Prompt recognition and treatment is critical to preventing a Lyme infection from becoming established. Early signs may include fevers, chills, muscles aches, and hot swollen joints, especially knees.
The so called Bull’s Eye rash, appearing around the site of the tick bite, is a definitive diagnosis of Lyme. If a Bull’s Eye is seen, treatment should begin immediately. However, fewer than 50% of confirmed Lyme patients recall being bitten by a tick, and less than 50% of cases report a Bull’s Eye rash. Treatment should begin in the absence of the Bull’s Eye if clinical signs are present.
Conventional blood tests, the ELISA and Western Blot, are also notoriously unreliable, with an estimated 20-35% false negative results.
Lyme is therefore a “Clinical Diagnosis”, that is, your doctor must be trained to recognize the disease from the presenting signs and symptoms.
Joseph J. Burrascano Jr, MD, states: “The sooner treatment is begun after the start of the infection, the higher the success rate. However, since it is easiest to cure early disease, this category of LB must be taken VERY seriously. Undertreated infections will inevitably resurface, usually as chronic Lyme, with its tremendous problems of morbidity and difficulty with diagnosis and treatment and high cost in every sense of the word.”
From ILADS.ORG: “40% OF LYME PATIENTS END UP WITH LONG TERM HEALTH PROBLEMS.
SHORT TREATMENT COURSES HAVE RESULTED IN UPWARDS OF A 40% RELAPSE RATE, ESPECIALLY IF TREATMENT IS DELAYED.”