Do you have any neurological signs of Lyme disease? Go through the evaluation by Dr. Bransfield in the Lyme section of this blog to make a self check. If you do, that may mean that spirochetes or another bacterial co-infection is in your brain. The difficulty with treating microbes in your brain is that the body does not allow most oral antibiotics to go through what is called the “blood brain barrier.” Under these conditions it may be helpful to consider IV anti-biotics to get inside the brain and spinal cord to reduce or eliminate the invaders.

What you are describing in terms of being periodically on and off oral antibiotics is (I believe) called pulse therapy. The theory is that the bacteria is “smart”; attacking (the killing phase), then stopping the attack would encourage the bacteria to be allowed to multiply. Once they feel safe to “come out and play”, they would then be attacked again. By repeating this kind of cycle it is hoped that deeper and deeper layers of bacteria would come to the surface and be killed. One element that I feel is missing in this approach (aside from the possibility that it is not killing off bacteria in the brain) is that the detoxification from the die-off of the bacteria is not considered.

The holistic approach that I have personally found most helpful is the alternation between the killing phase and the clean up phase. No matter what type of anti-biotic is used (traditional allopathic – oral or IV, herbal, homeopathy or energetic) once the bacteria or virus is killed off neuro-toxins are produced (as well as neuro-toxins that are produced from the organisms living in your body) and these must be cleansed from the body. The use of green products, herbal and homeopathic detoxification products are useful in this phase.

Some physicians are keyed into this process, some are not. Naturopathic physicians are trained to work on this level so you may want to consider adding this approach to the one you already have in place. Consider also that enhancing your own immune system is key. Your body needs to be supported to do it’s own job. Review your lifestyle and examine what you are doing to either support or undermine your body’s own miraculous capacity to heal itself.

The issue of who would prescribe IV antibiotics and who is “Lyme literate” is tricky. The political atmosphere has become so fear-based, polemic and devoid of common-sense that some patients won’t even give out the name of their Lyme-literate doctor for fear he or she will be “railroaded”, charged, arrested or fined. It is a sad state of affairs. On this basis, I ask that you e-mail me for any additional detailed recommendations.

Another note: the science is constantly changing in this area – as in all other areas. There is no perfect treatment since this complex is illnesses is so complicated. You are doing the right thing as a patient suffering with this devastating illness: you are seeking answers for yourself. Good for you.

Dr Thomas Moorecroft in Glastonbury CT
Dr Gerald Weiss in Norwalk CT
Dr. Steven Phillips in Wilton, CT (have not seen personally)

Thank you so much for the compliment. Keep coming back to the site. I am developing an article about the neurological signs of Lyme disease. I am very excited about sharing news about this complex of diseases and the new promising approaches and treatments.

Blessings, Cynthia

When the spirochetes enter into our bodies they can go anywhere. Our brains have no protection and the corkscrew bacteria can penetrate into any part of our body. Internal tremors – the jitters you mention – are very common. The symptoms are “not in your head” in that they are not imaginary, and yet, at the same time if the spirochetes or other bacterial coinfections pass into the brain, brain stem or spinal cord, it can effect neurological and brain function in many ways. It may also affect immune function and any other organ in the body.

It doesn’t sound like your Lyme disease is being successfully treated thus far. The treatment can be complex and long term. Rather than trying to convince your doctor of anything right now it may be helpful for you to get as informed as possible about this disease and other co-infections, go on-line and join a support group, or attend one in person in your area. This illness will be forcing you – all of us – to become our own advocate, to learn about our body, about this disease, and how to treat and heal on all levels. There are Lyme literate doctors who understand and treat aggressively if the clinical symptoms call for treatment. It is important to know that you are not alone.

You may e-mail me at cynthia_chase@sbcglobal.net to discuss your options further.

Blessings, Cynthia

My sister, Cindy, showed me your article about lyme disease. I was at the doctors this morning and became so upset. I had to get away for the afternoon. So I decided to drive an hour and a half so I could talk to somebody. I have Lyme disease and noone is listening to me. It was nice to read your article and know my symptoms are not in my head. I am on Doxycycline and have been for three months. I still have many symptoms. From everything I’ve read, I feel I should be on an IV antibiotic. How do I go about convincing my doctors? I should say my worst symptom is inner gidders. My doctor feels that this is not a symptom of Lyme. And that my Lyme disease is managed. Help!!!!!!

Linda