Identifying Lyme Disease: Symptoms

Identifying Lyme

If systemic Lyme, a blood test
To identify a neuro Lyme, a specific intraspinal intrathecal production of antibody to Lyme must be determined, as done through a spinal tap
Spinal taps can be done under fluoroscopic guidance with sedation; a Gertie needle with a blunt tip doesn’t shear the meninges; postlumbar puncture symptoms are fewer
Offer a spinal tap if needed in a nonurgent setting under X-ray or fluoroscopic guidance
Patient will be numbed with local anesthetic
Spinal taps can be done in an outpatient ambulatory; observe the patient for several hours, make sure they’re hydrated and comfortable before they go home

Lyme disease symptoms may be quite painful and range from acute to chronic:

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