For the curious, there's a very informative and interesting panel discussion/interview on NPR's Diane Rehm Show about diagnosing and treating Lyme disease. There's both an audio version and a written transcript.
There are four scientists interviewed, including one research veterinarian who includes a perspective on animals and Lyme disease. One of the doctors is a member of the IDSA, and two are doctors who tend towards the ILADS approach.
One section that I liked in particular was this one:
Interesting stuff!
There are four scientists interviewed, including one research veterinarian who includes a perspective on animals and Lyme disease. One of the doctors is a member of the IDSA, and two are doctors who tend towards the ILADS approach.
One section that I liked in particular was this one:
REHMThe interview also discusses possible connections between Bipolar Disorder and Lyme as well as between Chronic Fatigue Syndrome and Lyme Disease.
Dr. Shor, explain to me why this whole subject has become as controversial as it has?
SHOR
Well, that's a good question and I think it's somewhat of a perfect storm in that you've got a growing tick population in certain endemic areas. And Dr. Auwaerter alluded to the mid centre or the mid east coast up to the northeast and the Midwest area that the tick exposure is increasing, that they're very small ticks. And very often people don't....that very often people don't realize they've been infected. And the majority of people probably do not either get a rash that is associated with this or get a rash that's either atypical or in a location they're unaware of. They present with very common symptoms such as chronic fatigue, joint pain, headache. They're very often presenting, on physical exam, don't have any abnormalities. And clinicians have difficulty identifying what exactly is going on.
The testing available is insensitive. The guidelines are flawed. And we have managed care which pushes physicians to see very complex patients in short periods of time and insurance companies that are loathed to pay anymore than they have to. So it's a perfect storm for the development of this complex...
Interesting stuff!