Why do doctors not want to test for Lyme disease?

The blood test the CDC recommends to diagnose Lyme checks for an immune response to the bacteria, not for the Borrelia itself. That’s why the test can be negative if the disease is present for less than a month.

What is the most accurate test for Lyme disease?

A blood test does not only detect Lyme disease; it is the most accurate and preferred test for diagnosing the disease. If a patient with Lyme disease shows signs that the central nervous system has been affected by the disease, western blot testing on the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) can be performed.

Who is the best doctor for Lyme disease?

Daniel Cameron, MD, MPH, is a nationally recognized leader for his expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses.

Can Lyme disease be definitively diagnosed?

Diagnosis of Lyme disease is made through a clinical decision making process that includes a medical history, physical exam, review of past diagnostic tests and consultations, and results from newly ordered tests.

Is Fibromyalgia really Lyme disease?

In addition to an infection with Borrelia burgdorferi, the agent of Lyme disease, which can cause fibromyalgia, we find that patients often have multifactorial causes for their illness. I call this syndrome Lyme-MSIDS.

Would Lyme disease show up in routine blood work?

In people with symptoms of early disseminated or late disease, testing can help determine whether they have had a previous Borrelia infection. Blood testing alone, though, does not diagnose Lyme disease. It is one factor to be considered alongside symptoms and potential tick exposure.

Are at home Lyme disease tests accurate?

When you take an at-home Lyme disease test from IGeneX Inc, you can be assured that their accuracy is there. It looks for more relevant strains of tick-borne pathogens than any other lab. The test is under $100, and you get to choose your sample: blood or urine.

Can a neurologist diagnose Lyme disease?

However, it’s important to remember that seeing a specialist for symptoms related to Lyme disease without treating Lyme disease is costly and dangerous. In other words, a rheumatologist or neurologist will not be able to treat your Lyme if no diagnosis has been made.

What is chronic neurological Lyme disease?

Neurological Lyme disease, also known as Lyme neuroborreliosis, occurs when the Lyme- or TBRF-causing bacteria invade the central nervous system. Some describe neurological Lyme disease as a Lyme infection of the brain. Research has found that up to 15-40\% of late-stage Lyme patients develop neurological disorders.

Which is worse Lyme disease or fibromyalgia?

Pain in specific tender points is associated with fibromyalgia more than other illnesses. Stiffness in Lyme disease occurs mainly in the neck and joints. Fibromyalgia usually features more widespread pain. Lyme disease can cause arthritis symptoms and swollen joints, especially in the knees.