Lyme Disease and Tick-Borne Illness

Understanding Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is an infection caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi, commonly transmitted through tick bites. Many individuals with Lyme disease may not recall being bitten, as the ticks that carry the infection can be as small as a poppy seed. It's also a misconception that a bull's-eye rash (Erythema Migrans or EM) is required to confirm Lyme disease. While this rash is a hallmark symptom, it is not always present. Lyme disease can still occur without visible signs or a recollection of a tick bite.

Additionally, Lyme disease can be passed from mother to fetus during pregnancy, potentially leading to congenital Lyme disease in the child.

Challenges in Diagnosing Lyme Disease
Diagnosing Lyme disease can be complex, as testing is not always accurate. A negative test result does not definitively rule out the presence of the disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that approximately 476,000 people contract Lyme disease annually.

In this practice, diagnosis is based on a comprehensive evaluation that includes medical history, symptoms, lab results, and risk factors. While positive test results can aid in diagnosis, clinical judgment plays a crucial role. A diagnosis of Lyme disease or other tick-borne illnesses can still be made without positive test results, particularly if symptoms are significant. Treatment is initiated after carefully weighing the potential risks and benefits.

Symptoms of Lyme Disease
Symptoms can be acute or develop over time into chronic Lyme disease:

  • Acute Symptoms:
    Common early signs include flu-like symptoms such as fever, headaches, nausea, joint and muscle pain, chills, and sweats. Some individuals may develop a bull's-eye rash, which can vary in appearance. While the rash often expands over several days, it may appear faint or darkly pigmented. In rare cases, multiple rashes may occur. Neurological symptoms, such as Bell's palsy (facial drooping), may also be present.

  • Chronic Symptoms:
    When symptoms persist for six months or longer, the condition is considered chronic Lyme disease. Chronic Lyme can affect multiple systems and cause debilitating health issues, including:

    • Neurological Symptoms: Cognitive difficulties ("Lyme brain"), memory problems, brain fog, peripheral neuropathy (numbness or tingling), sleep disturbances, mood swings, chronic headaches, and dizziness.

    • Musculoskeletal Symptoms: Persistent joint pain (often in large joints like the knees), muscle stiffness or weakness, swelling in joints, and neck pain.

    • Cardiovascular Symptoms: Heart palpitations, irregular heartbeat (Lyme carditis), chest pain, or shortness of breath.

    • Fatigue and General Symptoms: Unrelenting fatigue, general malaise, and sensitivity to light or sound.

    • Immune System Dysregulation: Heightened sensitivity to allergens or irritants and increased susceptibility to infections.

    • Other Symptoms: Digestive issues (e.g., nausea, abdominal pain), vision problems, chronic pain, and issues with temperature regulation.

Chronic Lyme disease requires thorough evaluation and treatment to mitigate long-term health risks and improve quality of life.

Comprehensive Treatment and Support
Our practice provides a patient-centered approach to Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses. Treatment plans are tailored to each individual, focusing on symptom relief, addressing the underlying infection, and supporting the body's recovery. Whether you’re experiencing acute symptoms or managing chronic Lyme disease, we are here to guide you toward improved health and well-being.

We welcome patients who are uncertain about their diagnosis or have complex medical histories that may involve Lyme disease. Our consultation services are ideal for those who:

  • Need a thorough evaluation of their symptoms and medical history

  • Want to explore the possibility of Lyme disease or co-infections

  • Have received previous treatments without improvement

  • Are seeking a comprehensive assessment of their condition

Whether you've been recently diagnosed, are experiencing ongoing symptoms, or simply need clarity about your health concerns, our team at Rise Wellness is here to help. Contact us to schedule a consultation.

What is Tick-Borne Illness?

Tick-borne illness refers to a complex condition that can include multiple infections, going beyond Lyme disease. Ticks often carry and transmit more than one pathogen, meaning patients may experience co-infections that contribute to a wide range of symptoms and health challenges. In my experience, it is not uncommon for patients to have more than one tick-borne infection simultaneously.

This makes an in-depth analysis and thorough evaluation of all potential tick-borne infections highly important to ensure accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. While some co-infections may present with overlapping symptoms and can be treated similarly to Lyme disease, others require distinct and specific treatments to address the infection fully.

Common Tick-Borne Co-Infections
When assessing tick-borne illnesses, it’s essential to screen for and consider the following serious infections:

  • Bartonella

  • Babesia

  • Ehrlichia

  • Anaplasmosis

  • Brucella

  • Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

  • Tularemia

  • Coxiella (Q-fever)

  • Other Borrelia species

Proper identification and treatment of these infections are critical to addressing the full scope of symptoms and preventing long-term complications. Our practice is committed to a comprehensive diagnostic process to identify co-infections and provide individualized care for the best possible outcomes.