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Everyone with chronic Lyme disease should have access to a range of up-to-date information. This should include the immune and persistent theories regarding the cause of chronic Lyme disease.
Often the diagnosis of Lyme disease depends on the phyician’s readiness to listen and ask questions and on the mutual exchange of information, beginning with the first doctor-patient interview. Lyme disease is intended to be a clincial diagnosis without reliance on testing.
All too often, clincial presentations are ignored in the absence of confirmatory laboratory testing. Information should increase the understanding the symptoms inclusive of fatigue, concentration and memory problems, headaches, irritability, depression, and joint pain. It may also increase the understanding of potential for persistent and recurrent symptoms.
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Diagnostic Tests
Often the diagnosis of Lyme disease depends on the phyician’s readiness to listen and ask questions and on the mutual exchange of information, beginning with the first doctor-patient interview. Lyme disease is intended to be a clinicial diagnosis without reliance on testing. All too often, clincial presentations are ignored in the absence of confirmatory laboratory testing.
Because of the varied presentations and often necessary reliance on symptoms, several tests may be necessary to find the right diagnosis. Lyme disease blood tests include an ELISA test and Western blot test. Clinicians are examining the role such tests as a PCR, C6-peptide, and tests for coinfection.
Other tests include a spinal tap, MRI brain scan, and SPECT scan.There may be another underlying illness to explain the symptoms. Careful followup is important to avoid missing another illness.
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Online Extras
