Archive for the ‘Treatment’ Category

The Power of Fasting For Health

**DISCLAIMER**

I’m not a doctor.  As with all treatments, always discuss with your doctor.

The Power of Fasting For Health

Recently I saw a book that intrigued me called, “Starving to Heal in Siberia: My Radical Recovery From Late-Stage Lyme Disease and How It Could Help Others.”

While I admit I haven’t read it yet, fasting is as old as time itself, and even Upton Sinclair wrote an article back in 1910 on his experiences with fasting.  He then wrote “The Fasting Cure” which is considered a historical work.

Intermittent fasting or time restrictive eating is all the rage now.  Studies on rats have shown this form of fasting can reduce weight, blood pressure, cholesterol, and improve blood sugars.

The type of fasting utilized by the Lyme patient in the book, however, is called dry fasting which is an extreme version of intermittent fasting which involves restricting both food and water intake.  Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine have found that dry fasting (fasting without food or liquid) from dawn to dusk for four weeks has an anti-atherosclerotic, anti-inflammatory and anti-tumorigenic effect on the proteins in a type of immune cell called a peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC).  A previous study found similar results in blood serum.

But Heal Lyme?  My interest is piqued.

The following article may help explain why fasting can also help Lyme/MSIDS patients, and those who are “vaccine” injuried:

https://wmcresearch.substack.com/p/friday-hope-fasting-removing-senescent

Friday Hope: Fasting – Removing Senescent Cells and Reducing ROS

Our greatest weapon against the Spike Protein may just be self-discipline.

WALTER M CHESNUT
MAR 31, 2023

The Spike Protein of SARS-CoV-2 induces two phenomena which drive cells, and ultimately organs, into a state resembling the oldest old. These are Senescence and the induction of ROS (Reactive Oxygen Species).

SARS-CoV-2 Spike Protein Induces Paracrine Senescence and Leukocyte Adhesion in Endothelial Cells
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34160250/

A Preliminary Study about the Role of Reactive Oxygen Species and Inflammatory Process after COVID-19 Vaccination and COVID-19 Disease
https://www.mdpi.com/2039-7283/12/4/63

However, we have a therapeutic which is very effective against both phenomena. It is one that is the free and universally accessible. This is the therapeutic of FASTING.

Far from being a cure-all, I believe the evidence demonstrates that adding fasting to a COVID, Long COVID and Spike Protein Injury protocol will prove very effective. Additionally, fasting will also most likely be proven as a prophylactic against COVID and Spike Protein Injury.

Fasting is extremely effective at preventing and removing Senescent cells.  (See link for article)

______________

**Comment**

Wild animals that are sick stop eating.  This innate intelligence allows their bodies to heal and transfer all the energy spent in digestion toward healing. A lot of energy is used to digest food. This is also a similar tenet of the Gershon Therapy for cancer and other degenerative diseases.  By juicing only organic fresh fruits and vegetables, less energy is required for digestion and more for healing, plus the patient can absorb more nutrients, vitamins, and minerals.

Go here for Autophagy Fasting: Benefits and How To

Briefly, autophagy is the body’s natural way to clean up damaged cells.  My old holistic doc once told me, “The body is like a kitty litter box because crap builds up and needs cleaning out.”

For more:

Category:

diet and nutrition, Lyme, Treatment

Persister Cells: The LINK to Lyme Disease

https://holtorfmed.com/articles/lyme-disease/persister-cells-is-there-a-connection-to-lyme-disease?

By Holtorf Medical Group

4/4/23

Persister Cells: A Major Concern in the Fight Against Antibiotic Resistance

Antibiotic resistance is a growing problem in the world today. The overuse and misuse of antibiotics has led to the development of bacteria that are resistant to many of the drugs we use to treat infections. This has made it more difficult to treat bacterial infections and has resulted in increased morbidity and mortality. One factor that contributes to antibiotic resistance is the presence of persister cells.

What are Persister Cells?

Persister cells are a subpopulation of bacteria that have the ability to survive antibiotic treatment. These cells are not resistant to antibiotics, but rather they enter a dormant state that prevents them from being affected by the drugs. This means that even after a course of antibiotics, some bacteria may remain in this dormant state and can continue to cause problems later on.

This is a major concern in the treatment of bacterial infections, as persister cells can contribute to the development of antibiotic resistance and make it difficult to completely eradicate an infection. Researchers are currently working to develop new treatments that can target persister cells and prevent the development of antibiotic resistance.

Connection to Lyme Disease

According to a recent review published by the Global Lyme Alliance persister cells may play a role in the persistence of Lyme disease. These cells can enter a dormant state, similar to the spirochetes that cause Lyme disease, and may contribute to the chronic nature of the disease. Current treatments for Lyme disease, such as antibiotics, may not be effective against these persister cells. Therefore, researchers are investigating new treatments that can target these cells and prevent the recurrence of Lyme disease. This highlights the importance of understanding the role of persister cells in infections and developing new treatments to combat them.

Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi. The disease is transmitted to humans through the bite of infected black-legged ticks. In addition to the well-known symptoms of Lyme disease, such as fever, fatigue, and joint pain, some people with Lyme disease may experience problems with their vision.

Current treatments for Lyme disease typically involve antibiotics, which are effective in killing the actively growing bacteria. However, persister cells can enter a dormant state and evade the effects of antibiotics, leading to a possible recurrence of the disease.

To combat this problem, researchers are investigating new treatments that can target persister cells and prevent the recurrence of Lyme disease. One approach being studied is the use of drug combinations that can target both the actively growing bacteria and the dormant persister cells. Another approach is the use of drugs that can stimulate the persister cells to become active again, enabling the antibiotics to target and kill them.

Understanding the role of persister cells in Lyme disease is crucial to developing new treatments that can effectively eradicate the bacteria and prevent the recurrence of the disease. It is important to note, however, that the best approach to combating the spread of Lyme disease is through prevention, including avoiding tick bites and seeking treatment early if symptoms develop.

Persisters in Other Chronic Infections

A study published in the journal Nature found that persisters may be responsible for the development of chronic infections in patients with cystic fibrosis. The researchers found that Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a common bacteria associated with cystic fibrosis, was able to form persisters in the lungs of patients with the condition. These persisters were able to survive antibiotic treatment and contribute to the chronic nature of the infection.

Another study published in the Journal of Bacteriology found that persisters may be involved in the development of chronic urinary tract infections. The researchers found that E. coli, the bacteria responsible for most urinary tract infections, was able to form persisters in response to antibiotic treatment. These persisters were then able to re-emerge and cause recurrent infections.

While the role of persisters in chronic infections is still not fully understood, these studies suggest that they may be an important factor in the development and persistence of these infections. Further research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms behind persister formation and develop effective treatments for chronic infections.

Dormancy vs Activation of Persister Cells

One approach being investigated to combat persister cells is the use of drugs that can stimulate the persister cells to become active again. By doing this, the antibiotics can then target and kill the persister cells, instead of just putting them in a dormant state. However, this approach is still in the early stages of research, and it is not yet clear if it will be effective in treating bacterial infections.

Another approach to targeting persister cells is to use a combination of antibiotics that can target both the actively growing bacteria and the dormant persister cells. This approach has shown promising results in vitro and in animal studies, but more research is needed to determine if it will be effective in humans.

It is important to note that targeting persister cells is just one part of the fight against antibiotic resistance. It is also important to use antibiotics responsibly and only when necessary, to prevent the development of new resistant strains of bacteria. Additionally, the development of new vaccines and alternative treatments is also important in reducing the need for antibiotics.

Final Thoughts

Persister cells may contribute to the persistence of Lyme disease, and current treatments may not be effective against them. Researchers are investigating new treatments that can target persister cells and prevent the recurrence of the disease. However, prevention remains the best approach to combating the spread of Lyme disease.

For more:

Category:

Lyme, research, Treatment

Best Supplements For Arthritis

https://www.paintreatmentdirectory.com/posts/the-best-supplements-for-arthritis

The Best Supplements for Arthritis

The Best Supplements for Arthritis

By: Cindy Perlin, LCSW

3/26/23

There is no one treatment that will address all the complex factors that affect the onset and progression of osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Certain supplements can be very helpful for reducing arthritis pain and improving function . Some of the most powerful are turmeric, fish oil, ginger, SAM-e, chondroitin sulfate, glucosamine and CBD.These supplements have anti-inflammatory and/or joint rebuilding effects.

The best results will be obtained by combining supplements with an anti-inflammatory diet, exercise and stress management. There are also therapies that can be very effective, for the treatment of arthritis, including acupuncture, massage, physical therapy, low level laser therapy and pulsed electromagnetic therapy (PEMF).

Anti-inflammatory drugs can have serious, even fatal, side effects, including causing potentially fatal GI bleeding and increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes and reducing immune response. Using safer, natural supplements to reduce inflammation and pain is a better strategy.

Although OA was once considered primarily a degenerative and non-inflammatory condition, it is now recognized as having inflammatory aspects, including elevated cytokine levels, as well as potentially being connected with systemic inflammation.

Turmeric 

Turmeric (active ingredient curcumin) reduces pain, inflammation and stiffness related to rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis (OA).  This herb is traditionally used in Chinese and Indian Ayurvedic medicine to treat arthritis. It also blocks inflammatory cytokines and enzymes, including cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), the target of the anti-inflammatory prescription drug celecoxib (Celebrex).

In a small 2012 pilot study, curcumin reduced joint pain and swelling in patients with active RA better than diclofenac (Voltaren), a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). Unlike NSAIDs, curcumin was not found to be associated with any adverse events.[3]

A 2016 systematic review and meta-analysis provided scientific evidence that 8–12 weeks of standardized turmeric extracts (typically 1000 mg/day of curcumin) treatment can reduce arthritis symptoms (mainly pain and inflammation-related symptoms) and result in similar improvements of the symptoms as ibuprofen and diclofenac sodium without the gastrointestinal and cardiac risks of NSAIDs

A 2018 study lasting 12 weeks found that both turmeric and turmeric combined with boswellic acid improved function and reduced joint pain, though the combination worked better to improve performance than curcumin alone.

So turmeric could be part of the answer to the question, “What is the best supplement for arthritis?”

Arthritis Foundation recommended dosage: Capsules, extract (more likely to be free of contaminants) or spice. For OA: Capsule, typically 400 mg to 600 mg, three times per day; or 0.5 g to 1 g of powdered root up to 3 g per day. For RA: 500 mg twice daily. Curcumin is a key chemical in turmeric

Shop for Products with Turmeric 

Fish Oil (Omega-3 fatty acids)

Fish oil reduces inflammation and morning stiffness in rheumatoid arthritis and preliminary studies indicate it may have a similar effect on osteoarthritis. Fish oil is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids (including EPA and DHA), which block inflammatory cytokines and prostaglandins. The body converts them into powerful anti-inflammatory chemicals called resolvins. Resolvins are molecules that promote resolution of cellular inflammation, allowing inflamed tissues to return to a healthier state.EPA and DHA have been extensively studied for RA as well as many other inflammatory conditions.

A 2010 meta-analysis found that fish oil significantly decreased joint tenderness and stiffness in RA patients and reduced or eliminated NSAID use.

A 2005 study of people with RA showed enhanced positive effects when fish oil supplements were used in combination with olive oil.

A 2018 review of the evidence of the benefits of fish oil for RA found that consumption of Omega 3 fatty acids significantly improved eight disease-activity-related markers.

Fish oil is also important for brain, eye and heart health. It also helps with anxiety and depression. It is safe, with no significant adverse effects. So it just may be another answer to “What is the best supplement for arthritis?”

Arthritis Foundation recommended dosage: Fish, capsules, softgels, chewable tablets or liquid. For general health, two 3-ounce servings of fish a week are recommended. However, it’s difficult to get a therapeutic dose of fish oil from food alone. To treat arthritis-related conditions, use fish oil capsules with at least 30 percent EPA/ DHA, the active ingredients. For RA and OA, up to 2.6 g, twice a day

Ginger

Ginger decreases joint pain and reduces inflammation both in people with osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) Ginger has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties similar to ibuprofen and COX-2 inhibitors such as celecoxib (Celebrex). Ginger also suppresses inflammatory molecule called leukotrienes and switches off certain inflammatory genes, potentially making it more effective than conventional pain relievers. Side effects are limited to mild gastrointestinal upset in some patients.

A 2010 study of 247 patients with knee OA found that ginger reduced knee pain when standing and walking and improved quality of life.

In a 2012 in vitro study, a ginger extract called Eurovita Extract 77 reduced inflammatory reactions in RA synovial cells as effectively as steroids.

For OA, In one trial of more than 200 patients, Eurovita Extract 77 improved OA pain after standing and walking.

A 2015 study found that using ginger extract nanoparticals in a cream 3x a day for 12 weeks improved knee joint pain, daily activities, sports activities and quality of life. There were no adverse effects.

A 2017 study of twice a week self-knee massage with ginger oil in patients with OA found patients had reduced pain and improved function after one and five weeks.

A 2019 study found that ginger can alter gene expression in people with RA to improve disease manifestation.

Arthritis Foundation recommended dosage: Powder, extract, tincture, capsules and oils, up to 2 g in three divided doses per day or up to 4 cups of tea daily. In studies, 255 mg of Eurovita Extract 77 (equivalent to 3,000 mg dried ginger) twice daily.

SAM-e

S-adenosyl-methionine (SAM-e) is a compound found naturally in the body that has anti-inflammatory, cartilage-protecting and pain-relieving effects. In studies, supplementing with SAM-e was as effective at relieving OA pain as NSAIDs like ibuprofen and celecoxib, without their side effects. A systematic review published in 2011 of complementary and alternative medicines in the management of osteoarthritis found consistent evidence that SAM-e was effective in the management of osteoarthritis. No adverse effects were found in any of the studies.

SAM-e also has a mild to moderate antidepressant effect, and is frequently used as a natural alternative to anti-depressant medication..

The typical SAM-e dose is 1,200 mg daily. It will take a few weeks to see the effects..

Glucosamine

Glucosamine is a major component of joint cartilage and levels drop as people age. It also helps keep the cartilage in joints healthy and may have an anti-inflammatory effect. Glucosamine produced in the body provides natural building blocks for growth, repair and maintenance of cartilage and may lubricate joints, helping cartilage retain water and prevent its breakdown.  It is often combined with chondroitin (see below).

Supplements are derived from the shells of shellfish (such as shrimp, lobster and crab) or from animal bones or fungi.

The largest study to date, the 2006 Glucosamine/chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial (GAIT) looked at 1,600 people with knee OA. The first phase found that patients with moderate-to-severe arthritis experienced significant pain relief from combined glucosamine and chondroitin. The 2008 phase found that glucosamine and chondroitin, together or alone, did not slow joint damage. In the two-year-long 2010 phase, glucosamine and chondroitin were found as effective for knee OA as celecoxib (Celebrex).

Other research has suggested that glucosamine does slow joint damage. A 2008 retrospective study of nearly 275 patients found those using glucosamine for at least 12 months underwent half as many joint replacement surgeries as those on placebo.

In a small 2012 study, an improvement in symptoms after 12 weeks was seen with combined glucosamine and NSAIDs, and a smaller but still significant improvement with glucosamine alone. Study authors speculate that long-term treatment with glucosamine may reduce dependence on NSAIDs and delay disease progression.

Glucosamine may cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms, as well as increased blood glucose, cholesterol, triglyceride and blood pressure. This supplement can increase eye pressure in people with glaucoma.

A 2018 review and metanalysis published in JAMAof all of the therapeutic agents used for knee arthritis long term, including analgesics, antioxidants, bone-acting agents, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), intra-articular injection medications such as hyaluronic acid and corticosteroids, symptomatic slow-acting drugs in osteoarthritis and putative disease modifying agents,  found that only glucosamine sulfate was associated with pain improvement. This also may be another answer to “What is the best supplement for arthritis?”

Arthritis Foundation recommended dosage: Capsules, tablets, liquid or powder (to be mixed into a drink); 1,500 mg once daily or in three divided doses to prevent stomach upset. Often combined with chondroitin. May take up to one month to notice effect.

Chondroitin Sulfate

Chondroitin is a component of human connective tissues found in cartilage and bone. In supplements, chondroitin sulfate usually comes from animal cartilage. Reduces pain and inflammation, improves joint function and slows progression of osteoarthritis (OA). Chondroiton is believed to enhance the shock-absorbing properties of collagen and block enzymes that break down cartilage. Helps cartilage retain water and may reverse cartilage loss when used with glucosamine.

The largest study to date, the 2006 Glucosamine/chondroitin Arthritis Intervention Trial (GAIT) looked at 1,600 people with knee OA. (See above under glucosamine for results.)

A separate 2011 study showed a significant improvement in pain and function in patients with hand OA using chondroitin alone.

A 2013 review of the evidence on use of chondroitin for OA concluded that chondroitin has a beneficial effect on different kinds of cells involved in osteoarthritis and that it is an effective and safe treatment option for patients with OA.

Chondroitin and glucosamine supplements appear to be safe and constitute another good answer to the question, “What is the best supplement for arthritis?”

Chondroitin taken with blood-thinning medication like NSAIDs may increase the risk of bleeding. If you are allergic to sulfonamides, start with a low dose of chondroitin sulfate and watch for any side effects. Other side effects include diarrhea, constipation and abdominal pain.

Arthritis Foundation Recommended Dosage: Capsules, tablets and powder; 800 mg to 1,200 mg daily in two to four divided doses. Often combined with glucosamine. Allow up to one month to notice effect.

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CBD (Cannabidiol)

Research has shown that CBD interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which plays a role in regulating pain and inflammation. CBD may also help reduce the production of inflammatory cytokines, which are molecules that contribute to inflammation in the body.

Though research to date has been somewhat limited, both animal and human studies have shown positive effects.

In a 2019 study published in the journal European Journal of Pain, researchers found that CBD gel applied to the skin significantly reduced joint swelling and pain in rats with arthritis. The study suggested that topical CBD may be a safe and effective treatment for arthritis-related pain and inflammation in humans.

In a 2020 study published in the journal Pain Medicine, researchers found that CBD treatment improved pain and sleep in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. The study suggested that CBD may be a promising therapeutic option for management of pain and other symptoms in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

A 2020 study published in the journal Cell Death and Disease concluded that “CBD possesses anti-arthritic activity and might ameliorate arthritis via targeting synocial fibroblasts under inflammatory conditions.”

A 2022 study published in the Journal of Cannabis Research found that CBD se was associated with improvements in pain, physical function,and sleep quality. The majority of respondentsreported a reduction or cessation of use of other medications after CBD use.

Shop for CBD Products

Other Beneficial Supplements for Arthritis

Other supplements that have evidence of effectiveness for arthritis include: Borage oil, Boswellia, Bromelain, Cat’s Claw, Devil’s claw, DMSO, Ginkgo, GLA, MSM, Pycnogenol, St. John’s Wort and Stinging Nettle.

Find Providers Who Treat Arthritis with Nutrition

Conclusion

There are many supplements that can reduce arthritis pain and functional limitations. All of them are less risky than using pharmaceuticals for pain relief. The supplements not only reduce pain, they appear to have a beneficial overall biological effect on the disease process.

________________

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My last experiment for treating residual Lyme/MSIDS arthritis pain has been an elimination diet to determine what is causing the inflammation/pain.  This is quite a process but certainly an entirely new education on food and the body.  Again, what works for one doesn’t work for another but in my case food is a huge player.

So far I’ve discovered I can not tolerate gluten or nightshades.  I’ve already limited sugar, grains, and alcohol.  Still trying to figure out if there is any dairy I can partake of as well as nuts/seeds and other grains or beans.

One thing is for sure: if you suffer with enough pain you can give up almost anything!

Category:

Herbs, Inflammation, Pain Management, Supplements, Treatment

Bedridden Woman Diagnosed with ALS, Ended Up Having Lyme/MSIDS

https://twitter.com/dralmiller/status/1575837175484411905

Tweet from Dr. Alfred Miller:

Recent case: 30 y/o female, bedridden, returned from the Mayo Clinic diagnosed with ALS.This patient was then properly tested for Borrelia & coinfections.  Results confirmed Borrelia & Bartonella infection.Appropriate antibiotics began. Now patient able to ascend & descend stairs.   
Although this is a year old, it’s a potent reminder that things are often not what they seem – particularly with neurological diseases that have been slapped with a label but have many causes.
Dr. Miller has been an outspoken advocate for Lyme/MSIDS patients for years.  He started on this journey after his own daughter in law was given an ALS diagnoses but struggled with tick-borne illness.  Like so many patients, she tested on the CDC ELISA testing, and was told it couldn’t be Lyme/MSIDS.  Miller wouldn’t accept this prognosis and sent her blood to a specialty lab where sure enough, it came back positive.
Miller believes all patients who have been given a diagnosis of a neurodegenerative disease—including ALS, MS, lupus, and fibromyalgia—should be evaluated for Lyme disease.

Our most ardent supporters are usually infected or have loved ones that are infected.  All of a sudden, they “get it,” after having to travel the same pot-holed riddled path as suffering patients and see for themselves the complete mismanagement of a complex disease that hasn’t made any forward progress in over 40 years.
This is the reason I feel strongly the CDC/FDA/NIH should not be given one more dime.  These agencies don’t care about public health at all and are in fact complicit in a crime against sick patients, whom they not only haven’t helped them one tiny bit, but have in fact abused and neglected them.
For more on Dr. Miller:

Category:

Lyme, Testing, Treatment

Lyme Can Interfere With How Your Eyes & Brain Work Together

https://www.lymedisease.org/padula-lyme-interferes-with-eyes-brain/

Lyme can interfere with how your eyes and brain work together

April 6, 2023

By William V. Padula, OD SFNAP FAAO FNORA

Tick-borne infections can affect your vision in many ways. There may be blurring, double vision, light sensitivity, visual distortion, difficulty with balance, dizziness, and problems focusing, to name several.

Vision is more than just the image that we see. 70% of all the sensory nerves in the entire body come from the eyes. In fact, the eyes don’t actually see. Rather, they are sophisticated ‘cameras’ through which the brain does the seeing.

The brain has two primary means for organizing visual information. One process (the focal process) is the conscious or attentional process. This part of our vision provides information about detail so that we can see to identify objects. We link our thinking or cognitive process to this portion of vision.

However, there is a second process called the spatial or ambient process. It sets up the ability to use the focal process. The spatial visual process matches information with the balance centers and sends information to the cortex to organize how we see space before we actually see the detail.

The focal process isolates on details. Using the analogy of the forest and the trees, the focal process sees the ‘trees’ and the spatial visual process sees the world as the ‘forest.’ Together the spatial process gives orientation and organization to stabilize the visual process first with proprioception (information from the muscles and joints) establishing a grounding or stability with gravity to engage the spatial visual process first before looking at the detail.

The spatial visual process grounds the visual process and cortex so that the focal process can disassociate to look at a detail without losing orientation to our position sense. When the spatial process becomes unstable, the visual world becomes detail oriented (suddenly the visual world sees only the ’trees’) and this becomes over-whelming, similar to driving in a snowstorm at night with your high beam headlights on.

Maintaining the balance

There is a balance between the two visual processes that must be maintained. This balance provides efficiency, accuracy and the ability to adapt to change in our visual as well as sensorimotor world. (Sensorimotor refers to how we use our senses to interact with our surroundings.)

Lyme-related diseases often produce inflammation, which can disrupt the balance between the two visual processes. Because vision is connected neurologically to respiration and cardio function through the autonomic nervous system, any changes with the visual process will affect the autonomic system.

The imbalance in the visual process produces stress and affects the cardio-rhythms and respiration. A tick-borne infection that becomes neurological will not only directly affect the brain processing associated with visual processing, but may also affect the soft tissue and joints, cardio-respiratory systems, the vestibular system, etc. In turn the neurological imbalance affects both the visual process in the brain directly as well as the indirect relationships with other motor and sensory systems.

Research

One way of evaluating how the eyes and brain work together is called a visual evoked potential (VEP) test. It measures the electrical signal that the brain’s visual cortex generates in response to visual stimulation. Research shows that abnormal results on this test strongly indicate tick-borne disease.

My colleagues and I have also found another potential eye-related biomarker for tick-borne infections—a hazy white ring surrounding the optic nerve. This is called peri-papillary ischemia, and it is highly associated with tick-borne infections. We believe it arises from biofilms that clog the narrow capillary vessels around the optic nerve, blocking blood flow.

In my practice, I have found that changes in the VEP brain waves can be brought back to normal through use of special lenses and various therapeutic techniques. This therapy helps the brain reset how it processes information and resolves many of the patient’s visual challenges. This indicates that VEP abnormalities don’t have to be permanent.

Balance and Movement

The balance difficulties associated with tick-borne disease often come from a mismatch of information between the spatial visual process and other balance centers. This produces a condition know as Visual Midline Shift Syndrome (VMSS).

When there is a mismatch of visual spatial information and information from muscles, joints and the vestibular, the visual midline can become shifted. When this occurs, persons will drift when walking or feel as if they are not as stable. For example, people with this visual spatial imbalance often feel that they are too close to one side of the road when driving. Or they may feel like they are being pulled to one side when walking.

VMSS can be improved by the use of special glasses called “yoked prisms.” These realign the visual midline and re-center the center of mass. Balance can in many cases be improved very quickly when these prisms are prescribed properly.

A Part of the Solution: Rehabilitation of Vision

The following checklist provides a self-assessment for potential symptoms associated with visual processing that may be affected by tick-borne disease.

  • Difficulty converging the eyes to maintain alignment for reading ____
  • Difficulty maintaining focus of the eyes for near vision activities ____
  • Losing place when reading  ____
  • Blurry vision that changes  ____
  • Dizziness ____
  • Difficulty with attention and concentration ____
  • Loss of comprehension when reading  ____
  • Difficulty with visual memory  ____
  • Avoids looking at objects close to the face  ____
  • Difficulty with balance when walking  ____
  • Drifting when walking ____
  • Experiences feeling of being overwhelmed when in busy, crowded environmen____
  • Bumps into objects ____
  • Light and glare sensitive ____

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you need a careful assessment of your neuro-visual process. There are some neuro-optometrists who specialize in working with persons with tick-borne infections.

The treatment approach will differ from a standard vision exam. It will include brain wave testing (VEP) and a careful assessment of the neuro-visual-postural organization through instruments to assess weight shift during walking and shift in visual midline/center of mass (COM).

This testing should be accomplished in conjunction with the physician treating the tick-borne infection and not in place of it. Services from psychologists for counseling and/or neuropsychological testing may also be important. Persons with tick-borne infections will need an inter-professional approach for treatment. When the visual process becomes compromised, the problem often continues even after the tick-borne infection has been treated and resolved.

Dr. William Padula is the founder of the Padula Institute of Vision Rehabilitation, in Guilford, Connecticut. More information at his website: padulainstitute.com

________________

**Comment**

Advances like this are always encouraging; however, it’s important to remember that oftentimes proper treatment will ameliorate symptoms entirely or will at least improve them vastly.  That said, we need all the tools in our toolbox we can get!

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And again, these things are not rare.  They are rarely reported.  Big Diff!

Category:

Eye Issues, Lyme, Treatment