Lyme disease can be classified into two broad types: Acute Lyme and Chronic Lyme.
Acute Lyme disease manifests directly after the tick bite is sustained as the signature circular rash and accompanying joint pain. Acute Lyme can be treated successfully with a course of antibiotics at the time of infection.
Chronic Lyme infection is very difficult to detect, it is not unusual to go many years before receiving an accurate diagnosis. Chronic Lyme patients tend to develop autonomic dysfunction. Antibiotics are typically prescribed for Chronic Lyme, but this treatment does not address the symptoms of autonomic dysfunction.
A New Kind of Treatment
TVAM (Transvascular Autonomic Modulation) offers new hope to Lyme patients. Ongoing research at Synergy Health has led us to believe that autonomic dysfunction, or dysautonomia, might well be the actual cause of such Lyme symptoms as fatigue, sleep disturbances, altered cognitive function (brain fog), cold or heat intolerance, headaches, and bladder or bowel dysfunction. TVAM is the only treatment that addresses the underlying autonomic dysfunction seen with Chronic Lyme.
The core of the treatment program is an endovascular procedure in which a catheter is inserted into the jugular vein, and a balloon is inflated that stretches the vein. In so doing mechanical energy is transferred to the autonomic fibers that travel along the outside of the vein. This alters the ANS communications between bodies organs and the brain.
Over 90% of our patients respond positively, showing noticeably improved cognitive function, energy levels, bladder and bowel function, These patients also experience a reduction in headaches, sleep disturbances, and thermal intolerance.
The Unique Challenge of Lyme
Chronic Lyme is a very difficult disease to diagnose. In fact, a majority of patients that come to us have either not yet been diagnosed or have been told that they suffer from MS or some other neurodegenerative disease.
Basic blood tests can produce inconclusive or even negative results for Chronic Lyme. A specific array of tests are required, before a patient get a positive diagnosis. The frequency of inaccurate diagnosis is such that these tests are now available at Synergy Health Concepts.
There are three main indications that can lead to us to suspect Chronic Lyme and proceed with testing, which is done in-clinic at Synergy Health. First, Lyme patients tend to wake with fatigue, and their energy levels build throughout the day, peaking in the evening, which is not typical of other neurodegenerative diseases. Secondly, Lyme patients have a propensity to perspire, accompanied by night sweats. This is also unique and entirely the opposite of what we find in MS patients, for example, who typically do not perspire at all. Thirdly, in instances when patients diagnosed with Lyme are given disease modifying drugs and have a worsening in symptoms. When we encounter these three indications, a diagnosis of Lyme is likely.
The Difficulty Lyme Patients Face
One of the biggest challenges Lyme patients encounter is resistance within the medical community. Many physicians in the United States refuse to believe that Chronic Lyme even exists. In Canada, physicians are persecuted if they treat patients for Chronic Lyme. All this makes it difficult for patients who suspect they may have Chronic Lyme to seek treatment and receive a proper diagnosis.
Chronic Lyme patients who undergo TVAM should expect to get immediate relief from the symptoms of autonomic dysfunction. Patients should respond with improved sleep, less cognitive impairment, increased energy levels throughout the day and reduced anxiety after TVAM.
Chronic Lyme disease and the underlying autonomic dysfunction appear to be progressive. When the ANS (autonomic nervous system) can no longer keep the body regulated and in optimal condition, over time damage to various organ systems is inevitable. For that reason, we believe that early intervention is advantageous.
If you are a patient or know someone with Chronic Lyme and are interested in more information on the TVAM procedure, please contact us toll free at (877) 792-2784 or (949) 221-0129.
