Optimal Health Physicians

The Lyme Disease Controversy

OHP's mission is to provide care to people suffering from disease.  While we are fully aware of issues surrounding the persistence of Lyme Disease and its "co-infections", our focus is on the medical detective work required to find and treat the sources of diseases that cause suffering.  We believe that all patients have the right, if not obligation, to be fully informed about their health concerns.  A brief review of Internet resources about Lyme and other tick-borne infections reveals myriad differing points of view regarding their diagnosis and treatment. 

Tick-Borne Diseases

The white-tailed deer, many of its relatives and other animals are hosts to insects that carry bacteria and other pathogens that have been shown to infect human beings.  In our geographical region in the mid-atlantic states, there is wide public awareness that the deer tick has infested the deer population, and that deer have become common visitors in residential suburban communities as well as the throughout the countryside.  (Washington Post Article April 26, 2009 - Click Here)

We receive numerous inquiries at OHP on a daily basis regarding illnesses that may be related to bites from these infected ticks.  Although most people are familiar with the term "Lyme Disease," it is only one of many illnesses that are caused by bacteria transferred to people by ticks.  To provide some basic information about Lyme and other tick-borne diseases, you may review this page and our links to other Internet resources on these topics (click here) .

Symptoms Overview
The following list is an extensive set of conditions that may or may not be related to Lyme Disease or any other related illnesses.  In one way or another, however, all of these symptoms in a wide range of combinations and degrees of severity can be indicators of underlying conditions such as Lyme. 

Just by scanning this list, one can imagine the myriad ways in which Lyme can disrupt normal health.  Our goal is to help individuals with complex combinations of symptoms or chronic conditions that have been difficult to diagnose and treat.  This list is simply a collection of symptoms that can be associated with Lyme.  It is not meant in any way as a guide to diagnosis or treatment.

The Tick Bite

• Rash at site of tick bite
• Rashes on other parts of body
• Rash basically circular and spreading out
• Raised rash, disappearing and recurring

Head, Face, Neck

• Unexplained hair loss
• Headache, mild or severe
• Pressure in head
• Twitching of facial or other muscles
• Facial paralysis (Bell's palsy)
• Tingling of nose, (tip of) tongue, cheek or facial flushing
• Stiff or painful neck
• Jaw pain or stiffness
• Dental problems (unexplained)
• Sore throat, clearing throat a lot, phlegm, hoarseness, runny nose

Ears/Hearing

Digestive and Excretory Systems

• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Irritable bladder (starting/stopping),Interstitial cystitis
• Upset stomach (nausea/pain) or gastroesophageal reflux disease

Musculoskeletal System

• Bone pain, joint pain or swelling, carpal tunnel syndrome
• Stiffness of joints, back, neck, tennis elbow
• Muscle pain or cramps, (Fibromyalgia)

Respiratory and Circulatory Systems

• Shortness of breath, can't get full/satisfying breath, cough
• Chest pain or rib soreness
• Night sweats or unexplained chills
• Heart palpitations or extra beats
• Endocarditis, Heart blockage

Neurologic System

• Tremors or unexplained shaking
• Burning or stabbing sensations in the body
• Fatigue, CFS, weakness, peripheral neuropathy partial paralysis
• Pressure in the head
• Numbness in body, tingling, pinpricks
• Increased motion sickness
• Lightheadedness, wooziness

Psychological well-being

• Mood swings, irritability, bi-polar disorder
• Unusual depression
• Seasonal affective disorder
• Disorientation (getting or feeling lost)
• Feeling as if you are losing your mind
• Over-emotional reactions, crying easily
• Too much sleep, or insomnia
• Difficulty falling or staying asleep
• Narcolepsy, sleep apnea
• Panic attacks, anxiety

Reproduction and Sexuality