Accurately Diagnosing Lyme Disease
By Dr. Rev. Isabel Sharkar, NMD
Unmasking Lyme Disease
The Importance of Accurate Diagnosis
Accurately diagnosing Lyme disease may be challenging. Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness that can cause a range of symptoms, including fatigue, joint pain, and neurological problems. The disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected tick. It can also be passed down from mother to newborn.Diagnosing Lyme disease can be challenging, and it is often misdiagnosed or not diagnosed at all. Conventional medicine typically relies on the ELISA and Western blot tests to diagnose Lyme disease. However, these tests are notoriously inappropriately read by the practitioner, leading to a delay in diagnosis and treatment.Functional medicine takes a different approach to diagnosing Lyme disease. Functional medicine practitioners use a range of tests, including the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test and specialized Lyme panel tests by specialized Lyme labs, to detect the presence of Borrelia burgdorferi and possible co-infections in the body. These tests are more sensitive than the ELISA and Western blot tests and can detect the presence of the bacterium even in the early stages of the disease.Additionally, functional medicine practitioners take a comprehensive approach to Lyme disease diagnosis and treatment, taking into account the patient's medical history, lifestyle, and environmental factors. They may also use other tests, such as a CD57 test, to evaluate the patient's immune function and determine the most appropriate treatment plan.In contrast, conventional medicine that is not Lyme literate may overlook the possibility of Lyme disease altogether or dismiss the patient's symptoms as psychosomatic. This can result in a delay in diagnosis and treatment, leading to more severe and chronic symptoms in the long run.In conclusion, Lyme disease is a complex illness that can be challenging to diagnose and treat. Functional medicine offers a more comprehensive approach to Lyme disease diagnosis and treatment, using a range of tests and taking into account the patient's medical history and lifestyle. It is essential to consult with a Lyme literate practitioner if you suspect that you may have Lyme disease, as early diagnosis and treatment can improve outcomes and reduce the risk of chronic symptoms.Here are some other Lyme resources to check out:
Medical Disclaimer
This content is provided by Indigo Integrative Health Clinic for educational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice, a diagnosis, or a treatment recommendation, and does not establish a provider-patient relationship. Individual health conditions vary — information presented here may not apply to your specific situation. Always consult a qualified, licensed healthcare provider before making decisions about your health, medications, supplements, or treatment plan.
Continue reading
Climate Change & Lyme Disease
As the global conversation about climate change intensifies, its impact...
Lyme & Tick-Borne Illness
Lyme Disease Is in Rock Creek Park, Northern Virginia, Maryland, and DC. All Are on the CDC's High-Incidence List
The CDC classifies Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia as high-incidence areas for Lyme. Standard two-tier blood testing catches only 22 to 36 percent of early infections, so a negative result does not rule Lyme out when symptoms are present. Free state and county programs identify a tick's species but do not test it for disease, and broader co-infection testing is not routinely ordered.
Lyme & Tick-Borne Illness
Neurological Lyme Disease: The Symptoms a Normal Workup Can Miss
A normal brain MRI helps rule out causes like a tumor or a stroke. It cannot rule out neurological Lyme disease. Lyme inflames the nervous system in a way a standard scan is not built to see. A clean MRI can send someone back to years of specialists who keep finding nothing.
Lyme & Tick-Borne Illness