Lyme Disease

Close up photo of adult female deer tick crawling on piece of straw edited scaled

Months or years after an initial Lyme infection, many patients continue to experience debilitating symptoms. You deserve a thorough investigation — not dismissal.

Two deer ticks on a white background, representing Lyme Disease therapy
Beyond the Bulls-eye Rash

When Lyme disease becomes chronic

Lyme disease is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, a spirochetal bacterium transmitted primarily by Ixodes ticks. In its chronic form — often called Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS) — it can affect virtually every organ system in the body.

The persistence problem. Unlike many bacterial infections, Borrelia is a highly sophisticated pathogen capable of forming biofilms, shifting between active and dormant cyst forms, and evading immune detection. This biological complexity is a central reason why symptoms can persist long after a standard course of antibiotics.

Immune dysregulation. Chronic tickborne illness frequently involves an abnormal immune response — one that may perpetuate inflammation even after microbial burden is reduced. Cytokine imbalances, autoimmune cross-reactivity, and mast cell activation are common findings in this population.

A functional medicine lens. At Lifespan Health, we investigate the full clinical picture: infectious burden, inflammatory pathways, hormonal and mitochondrial function, gut health, toxin load, and nervous system regulation. This allows us to create a personalized map of what is driving your symptoms — and where intervention can make the greatest difference.

Group of ticks on an arm
the tickborne co-infections

It’s not JUST Lyme disease…

The average tick harbors multiple infectious organisms, ready to transmit to you. Oftern, where there is Borrelia (Lyme), there are others–which can cause chronic infections as well. These include…

  • Babesia microti / ducani... a malaria-like protozoan causing night sweats, air hunger, cyclical fevers, and profond fatigue.
  • Bartonella henselae / quintana… may cause neuropsyciatric symptoms like anxiety, OCD, and rage. Signs of striae (“stretch marks”) and burning pain.
  • Anaplasma phagocytophilum… targets white blood celss and causes immune supression.
  • Ehrlichia chaffeensis… similar presentation to anaplasma, with elevated liver enzymes common.
  • Rickettsia ricketsii... Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Chronic Illness man in a dark room
Borrelia, Bartonella, Babesia…

Mechanisms of disease

Lyme disease is caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, a spirochetal bacterium transmitted primarily by Ixodes ticks. In its chronic form — often called Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS) — it can affect virtually every organ system in the body.

The persistence problem. Unlike many bacterial infections, Borrelia is a highly sophisticated pathogen capable of forming biofilms, shifting between active and dormant cyst forms, and evading immune detection. This biological complexity is a central reason why symptoms can persist long after a standard course of antibiotics.

Immune dysregulation. Chronic tickborne illness frequently involves an abnormal immune response — one that may perpetuate inflammation even after microbial burden is reduced. Cytokine imbalances, autoimmune cross-reactivity, and mast cell activation are common findings in this population.

A functional medicine lens. At Lifespan Health, we investigate the full clinical picture: infectious burden, inflammatory pathways, hormonal and mitochondrial function, gut health, toxin load, and nervous system regulation. This allows us to create a personalized map of what is driving your symptoms — and where intervention can make the greatest difference.

Consult with Lifespan MDs >>

Lifespan Health’s Clinical Approach

Treating the whole person, not just the pathogens

Functional medicine does not offer a single protocol for chronic Lyme. We build individualized plans based on a deep understanding of your unique biology, history, and circumstances.

Doctor and patient shaking hands
Lyme Disease Treatment 6

Comprehensive intake & timeline mapping

We dedicate significant time to your story. A detailed illness timeline, symptom pattern analysis, and review of prior records helps us identify the sequence of events that led to your current state — and the leverage points for recovery.

Advanced diagnostic workup

Standard two-tier Lyme testing misses a substantial proportion of cases. We utilize specialty laboratories with more sensitive assays, along with co-infection panels, immune function markers, inflammatory cytokines, and organic acid testing.

Targeted antimicrobial strategy

When indicated, we employ evidence-informed antimicrobial protocols — including pulsed antibiotic strategies, herbals with established antimicrobial activity, advanced IV therapies, and biofilm-disrupting agents — in combination with protective support for the gut and immune system.

Immune & inflammatory modulation

We address the dysregulated immune response that frequently persists in chronic illness. This includes targeted supplementation, low-dose naltrexone (LDN), mast cell stabilization strategies, and nutritional interventions to resolve chronic inflammation.

Mitochondrial & energy restoration

Fatigue in chronic Lyme often has a mitochondrial component. We assess and support cellular energy production using such compounds as CoQ10, NAD+ and precursors, and IV micronutrient therapy where appropriate.

Nervous system & lifestyle support
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The autonomic nervous system is frequently dysregulated in PTLDS, contributing to POTS, sleep disturbance, and pain amplification. We incorporate breathwork, heart rate variability training, vagus nerve stimulation, pacing strategies, and sleep optimization into your plan.

Resources

Lyme Disease Organizations