neuro lyme

Neurological Lyme Basics

Neurological Lyme Basics
The neurological impact of Lyme has actually interested me over the years mostly because of my nursing background. I started my nursing career in the NeuroScience field and loved learning about that body system from the start. 

But I also experienced neurological Lyme symptoms myself. From neuropathy to mood changes and mental health imbalances, to weakness and headaches, I know first-hand the impact Lyme can have neurologically.

So how does Lyme impact the brain and nervous system exactly? In the same way it can impact any organ! 

Lyme spirochetes can enter the brain and/or nerves as they circulate in the bloodstream and can cross the blood-brain barrier into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) which coats our brains and spines. 

Once they’ve “infiltrated” the CSF the spirochetes can damage nerve cells, cause increased inflammation (due to extra WBCs and cytokines sent to repair the “injury” to the tissue), release toxins, and disrupt the balance of brain chemicals. 

But neuro Lyme is SOOOO much more than this, too. Genetics, coinfections, opportunistic infections, a weakened immune system, gut health disturbances, poor detox, chemical burden - all of these contribute to neurological disturbances and variations from “normal limits” neurologically. In other words, they also contribute to neurological dysfunction - it’s not JUST Lyme spirochetes at play.

Symptoms of neuro Lyme can include: numbness/tingling, vision or other sensory issues (ringing in ears, etc), meningitis symptoms (fever, severe HA, stiff neck), memory loss, cognitive impairment, paralysis, weakness, shaking/tremoring, seizures, Bell’s palsy, nerve damage and nerve pain, neuralgias, decreased reflexes, memory loss, brain fog, mental health and personality changes, ADD/ADHD, neurodivergence, etc, to name a few things

Neuro Lyme is often misdiagnosed as a variety of neurological conditions such as: Multiple Sclerosis, Myasthenia Gravis, Guillain Barre, ALS, myelitis, neuralgias, Alzheimers, Parkinsons, dementia, fibromyalgia, mental health disorders, neurodivergent variations, etc. 

This information matters because these neurological manifestations of Lyme are potentially reversible. In the setting of Lyme Disease and coinfections, treatment can help heal the neurological symptoms. This is where a reputable Lyme Literate Provider can be well worth it, as they can tailor an approach to healing that considers your individual need. Antibiotics can be helpful for many people, bearing in mind that going that route means special attention must be placed on gut health and healing or else more damage than good can be done. Herbals can be effective too, but for some do not work well on their own for intensive healing. 

But beyond treating Lyme and coinfections well, there’s more to the healing picture, including nutrition for brain healing (low-inflammatory, adaptogens, high in healthy fats, no processed foods), reducing chemical burden (avoiding exposure to toxins as well as detoxing well), supplements to support the neurological system and/or lower inflammation (adaptogens, herbals, CBD, etc), utilizing essential oils (try ones for reducing stress and inflammation, such as lavender, frankincense, lemon balm, and copaiba), lowering stress, increasing sleep, and moving the body daily.

Along with other health basic supplements (like vit C, vit Bs, CQ10, etc) here are some herbs and supps that can be good for the brain and for fighting Lyme/support the immune system: Japanese knotweed, monolaurin, cat’s claw, andrographis, cryptolepsis, garlic, turmeric, L-theonine, ginkgo biloba, bacopa, rhodiola, etc

Brain healing of any kind takes TIME, and in the case of Lyme and coinfections this is no different. Remember that as you move forward in healing. Each step you take matters and adds up over time. 


For ongoing support on your holistic healing journey, hop into Lyme-y & Crunchy!

And if you know you need some mentorship, guidance, and empowerment to meet your Lyme healing goals, we need to chat NOW about my Design Your Holistic Lyme Healing Blueprint! I only have a few discounted Founding Member spots left currently. A quick chat can determine if it will be a good fit for you, so comment below or email me at oilswithadele@gmail.com right now if you’re interested! 




Disclaimer: this information isn't intended to treat, diagnose, or cure & all opinions are my own based on my own research and personal experience. Please consult with a trusted provider prior to making any medical or treatment decisions.  

Meet Adele

 
          Half my lifetime ago I was expecting to be permanently disabled or even dead at a young age unless I found a way back to hope and health. As a result of a mystery illness, I was nearly bed-ridden as a teenager. Sometimes I had to CRAWL up the 7 steps to my bedroom to get to bed because I couldn’t walk that far. I HAD to nap every single day. I was in *constant* burning, aching pain throughout my body and experienced exhaustion and brain fog so bad I could barely communicate. I had quit all sports, babysitting and other jobs. My ambitions, successes, sense of self, and LIFE were slipping through my fingers. I had been misdiagnosed with autoimmune conditions for years only to finally discover that Lyme disease and co-infections were the primary culprit of my medical mysteries. At the time of my diagnosis, I was spiraling into depression, helplessness, and hopelessness.  I had no idea where this journey would take me, but I could not see a light at the end of it, and that was just plain scary.
 
          My mom took me to many doctors, but none specialized in Lyme and tick borne illnesses. They all treated the symptoms I was having as best as they could, but I was still getting slowly worse, or having side effects from medications I was being put on. So my mom and I sought alternative options out of desperation. Homeopathy, diet changes, proper supplements, and rest finally started to lead me into healing and the fog started to lift. During that time, myofascial release from a certified massage therapist was one of the most helpful modalities I tried. She used essential oils too, and that was officially my first introduction to their power. All of these alternative options helped me survive, start to thrive, and begin the next leg of my journey: becoming a nurse. I thrived in a career that combined science, research, and helping others through their suffering and health goals. In my young adult years, I finally had the opportunity to continue my treatment and health journey with a Lyme specialist, which has helped me heal more fully than I ever would have thought possible 10yrs ago. 

          I knew that as I got married, started a family, and was working on healing my body, I had some big goals: 1) to be there for my family and to be able to care for them fully and 2) to have a non-toxic home and life in order to live our best lives. My cousin shared with me some of her journey, which had similarities to my own. She was using some things I was already curious about, including essential oils and specialized supplements. I was HOOKED after the first sample I tried! I could now clearly visualize the next steps of my healing journey - hope had returned!
              
          Now, I have endless hope. I can LIVE LIFE. This is the healthiest I’ve truly been since about age 14 and I’m thriving! I’ve been able to advocate for my own 4 babies, 3 of whom have ended up with Lyme too. I’m dedicated to using my nursing background and love of education in combination with appreciation for functional medicine and alternative therapies to help everyone I can. My hope is renewed. I am empowered and equipped. I’m enjoying and embracing the journey and want to help YOU to be able to have all of that too!

          If you're ready to link arms with me and walk this journey together, please reach out! I'd LOVE to hear from you!


**Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional here to diagnose, treat, cure, or otherwise influence your medical journey outside of the guidance of a medical professional. Please find a doctor you trust and discuss any medical concerns or treatments with them. Also, please know, as an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases through my site at no extra cost to you.

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