Lyme Information
options and general help. For additional information, visit our links and resources page.
Disclaimer: Lymelighters is a support group for patients suffering from Lyme disease and their friends and
family. The material presented on this website and the individual Lymelighters meetings is for informational
purpose only. It should not be used to diagnose or treat any medical condition, nor take the place of medical
care from your healthcare professional. Read Entire Disclaimer
What is Lyme Disease?
Lyme disease is an infection transmitted by the bite of a infected deer tick. The tick transmits a spiral
shaped bacteria known as Borrelia burgdorferi, which can rapidly disseminate throughout the body. While
the adult ticks primarily feed on deer, the nymphal (or immature) tick which is most likely to transmit the
lyme bacteria feed on squirrels, mice, lizards, rabbits and certain birds.
Lyme Disease has been reported in all 50 states with much higher concentrations in the east, midwest and
the northwest part of the US. In the south, a lyme like infection, STARI (Southern rash-associated tick
illness), is more common. Lyme disease has also been reported throughout much of the world.
What To Do If You Get A Tick Bite
1. See a doctor immediately. The sooner treatment is started the better the results are.
2. Go to www.lymediseaseassociation.org for a list of lyme literate MDs (LLMD). Otherwise, take a copy
of the ILADS treatment guidelines with you for your doctor www.ilads.org/files/ILADS_Guidelines.pdf
3. Save the tick. Laboratories can test the tick for the presence of lyme and associated coinfections.
4. If a rash develops take photographs. It may help your doctor in making the diagnosis.
5. Laboratories vary in terms of the depth of lyme testing provided. Dr. Patel prefers to use the following:
Igenex
www.Igenex.com
800-832-3200
Stony Brook Laboratories
www.path.sunysb.edu/labsvs/tickpics/TICKpic.htm
631-444-3824
Clongen Laboratories
www.Clongen.com
301-916-0173
Neuropsychological Symptoms:
• Decreased attention/focusing/concentration
• Short term memory impairment
• Depression
• Anxiety/Panic attacks
• Mood swings
• Disorientation
• Difficulty with word/name recall
• Tingling/numbness/shooting pains
• Light and/or sound sensitivity
• Headaches
• Seizures
General Symptoms:
• Neck stiffness/pain/spasms
• Fatigue
• Arthritis/joint pains
• Abdominal pain/nausea
• Chest pains
• Palpitations
• Sleep disturbances
• Bowel disturbances (diarrhea/constipation)
• Erectile dysfunction/loss of libido
Facts:
• 70-80% of all cases have no history of tick attachment
• Approximately 60% have reported a rash
• Flu like symptoms (low grade fevers, muscle aches, fevers, chills/sweats, fatigue, & joint pains) common
early in the course of Lyme disease.
Neuropsychological Symptoms:
• Decreased attention/mental tracking
• Short term memory impairment
• Decreased receptive language/auditory processing
• Delayed speech development
• Difficulties with abstract reasoning
• Outbursts/impulsivity
• Mood swings
• Irritability/weepiness
Physical Symptoms:
• Headaches
• Stiff neck
• Sensitivity to light or sound
• Fatigue
• Arthritis/joint pains
• Abdominal pain/nausea/diarrhea
• Chest pains
• Palpitations
• Numbness/tingling/shooting pains
• Sleep disturbances
• Increased nightmares/upsetting dreams
• New onset bedwetting
• New onset asthma
Facts:
• At least half of all cases have no history of tick attachment.
• Approximately 60% have reported a rash.
• Flu like symptoms (low grade fevers, muscle aches, fatigue, & joint pains) common early in the course of
lyme disease.
In an article written by by Opinion within the medical community is deeply divided regarding the best approach for
treating Lyme disease, particularly persistent Lyme disease that is not cured by short-term protocols. This
split has resulted in two standards of care. Both viewpoints are reflected in peer-reviewed, evidence-
based guidelines. read more
Tick Borne Illnesses" - Joseph J. Burrascano JR., M.D. , October, 2008
"Evidence-Based Guidelines For The Management of Lyme Disease" - The International Lyme and
Associated Disease Society (ILADS)
05/26/09 Handling Herxheimer's Reactions (ppt). The Herxheimer reaction (also known as Jarisch-
Herxheimer or Herx) occurs when large quantities of toxins are released into the body as
bacteria (typically Spirochetal bacteria) die, due to antibiotic treatment or rapid
detoxification.
06/23/09 Lyme Co-Infections (pdf). The condition where a tick carries other infections in addition to
Lyme disease. "Co-Infections" - Babesiosis, Ehrliciosis, Bartonella, Mycoplasma/Anaplasma,
and others are discussed.
07/28/09 Mold, Candida Handout (pdf). Information and tips on candida and mold sensitivities.
07/28/09 Signs/Symptoms of Dietary Indiscretions in Lyme Disease (pdf). Covers signs and symptoms of
Candida overgrowth, food sensitivites and intolerances.
08/26/09 Herbs and Alternatives (pdf). A list of herbs and alternatives used in treatment of Lyme and
other related conditions.
09/22/09 Rife Machine Basics (pdf). Dr. Royal Raymond Rife was an early 20th century American
scientist who discovered that exposing microorganisms to certain electromagnetic frequencies
killed them. Read the article handout for more on the history and use of Rife in treating Lyme.
10/27/09 Ticks: Life Cycles, Habitats and Prevention
! (pdf) All you ever needed to know about Ticks!
11/24/09 Biofilms, Methylation & Heavy Metal Detoxification in Lyme Disease (ppt). An overview of
biofilms, methylation cycle, heavy metals and the related treatments. Includes bioofilm photos.
01/26/10 KPU Presentation (pdf), KPU Protocol Summary Handout (pdf), Explore! article on KPU/HPU
(pdf). Presentation given by Scott Forsgren covering KPU/HPU. Discusses the findings of
Dietrich Klinghardt M.D., Ph.D. in looking for possible explanations as to why some patients
struggle more than others to regain their health. Dr. Klinghardt has found a high correlation
between patients with chronic Lyme disease and those with Kryptopyrroluria (KPU), or more
precisely Hemopyrrollactamuria (HPU). Important-Although the KPU/HPU described in
this presentation has been found to be highly effective, it should NEVER be performed without
the supervision of a licensed healthcare professional as adverse events may occur.
02/23/10 Wilson's Temperature Syndrome and Lyme Disease (ppt). Dr. Tedde Rinker presented on the
topic of Temperature Syndrome, Thyroid issues, how they relate to Lyme disease
and Wilson's treatment protocol. The presentation was very informative!
01/25/11 Earthing Research and Thermography (ppt). Presented by Dr. William C. Amalu, DC, DABCT,
DIACT, FIACT
Disclaimer: Lymelighters is a support group for patients suffering from Lyme disease and their friends and family. The material presented on this website and the individual Lymelighters meetings is for informational purpose only. It should not be used to diagnose or treat any medical condition, nor take the place of medical care from your healthcare professional. The opinions expressed by individuals presenting information may not agree with those of Lymelighters or Dr Raj Patel. By using this website you are agreeing to hold harmless Lymelighters and Dr Raj Patel for any harm resulting from the use of information obtained from the website. Neither Lymelighters nor Dr Raj Patel are liable for any direct or indirect damages resulting from loss of use, data or profits, whether in an action of contract, negligence or other tortious action arising out of or in connection with the use or performance of information from this website.