Lyme Disease

by | Sep 25, 2018 | Blog, Chronic Pain PMH, Naturopathic Clinic PMH

4 different size ticks lined up on the end of a finger

(Lyme borreliosis)

Lyme disease, is an infectious disease caused by spirochaete bacteria of the genus Borrelia. The bacterium is present in ticks and is passed into human blood when a tick attaches itself to the skin and begins to feed.


The most common sign of infection is an expanding area of redness on the skin that usually appears at the site of the tick bite after several days. The rash is typically neither itchy nor painful.

However approximately 25–50% of infected people do not develop a rash. Other early symptoms may include fever, headache and feeling tired. If untreated other symptoms may include loss of the ability to move one or both sides of the face, joint pains, severe headaches with neck stiffness, or heart palpitations. Months to years later, repeated episodes of joint pain and swelling may occur. Occasionally, people develop shooting pains or tingling in their arms and legs. Lyme disease is sometimes called “The Great Imitator,” because its symptoms mimic many other diseases. It can affect any organ of the body, including the brain and nervous system, muscles and joints, and the heart.

Related image

Lyme disease is transmitted to humans by the bite of infected ticks of the genus Ixodes. Usually, the tick must be attached for 36 to 48 hours before the bacteria can spread into the blood.
It’s debatable whether or not the disease can be transmitted by other insects (vectors) and I do believe it is transmissible from human-to-human via sexual intercourse or in-utero

Diagnosis is based upon a combination of symptoms, history of tick exposure, and possibly testing for specific antibodies  in the blood. However Blood tests are often negative in the early stages of the disease.

Lyme disease is the most common disease spread by ticks in the Northern Hemisphere. It is estimated to affect over 300,000 people a year in North America and over 65,000 people a year in Europe. Infections are most common in the spring and early summer. Lyme disease was diagnosed as a specific condition for the first time in 1975 in Old Lyme, Connecticut from where it gets its common name. The bacterium involved was first identified in 1981. However there are other tic-borne diseases, such as:
– Cocksackie virus
– Herpes viruses
– Bartonella
– Babesia
– Rickettsia
A comprehensive list can be found here.

Therapies offered by Port Moody Health: 
– Blood laser irradiation using the Weber Endolaser System from Germany
– Combination intravenous therapies, including IV artesunate and ozone therapy
– Targeted nutrition
– Digestive support
– Colon hydrotherapy and detoxification

Testing offered by Port Moody Health:
– Armin Labs (link to site: https://www.arminlabs.com/en)
– Toxic metals
– Food sensitivity testing (IgG)
– Inflammatory foods personalized profile (MRT) (link to site: https://nowleap.com/leap/)
– Nutritional and Metabolic Profile (Comprehensive Organic Acids Testing)
– Hormone and neurotransmitter testing

If you or your family have any concerns regarding Lyme Disease or any other tic-borne disease please contact us today and book an appointment.

The Port Moody Health Team

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