Lyme Science Blog

When a patient walks into my office after a tick bite, they often ask: “Isn’t one dose of doxycycline enough to prevent Lyme disease?” That belief traces back to a 2001 study that has, unfortunately, shaped Lyme disease treatment guidelines. But what most people don’t realize is that the study only found that the single

He was ready to quit treatment. The antibiotics were making him feel worse, not better—nausea, fatigue, and a sense that his body was shutting down. He told me, “Doc, I don’t think I can keep doing this.” I knew we needed a new approach—but not necessarily a new medication. Instead, I asked:What if we adjusted

🧠 When a Patient Hears “Spinal Tap,” They Often Ask: “Do I really need one just to check for Lyme disease?” It’s a reasonable question. A spinal tap—more formally, a lumbar puncture—is invasive, uncomfortable, and not without risks. But the conversation around spinal taps and Lyme disease is often oversimplified. So today, let’s unpack the

It’s a fair concern. Steroids are widely used to reduce inflammation, but they come with significant risks when used during an active infection—especially Lyme disease. The conversation is often oversimplified or brushed aside. So today, let’s break it down—in the form of a clinical dialogue. A Clinical Dialogue on Steroids in Lyme Disease Cameron: One

Patients Deserve an Explanation This article is part of an ongoing series addressing persistent myths about Lyme disease. One of the most common—and most important—questions I hear from patients is: “If my Lyme test is negative, why are you still treating me?” It’s a fair question. And if you’re asking it, you deserve a clear

Allodynia is a neurological condition where non-painful stimuli—like a breeze, the pressure of clothing, or even light touch—cause pain. It’s often associated with central sensitization, where the brain and spinal cord become overly responsive to nerve signals. But sometimes, the trigger is more than just misfiring nerves. Sometimes, it’s caused by an infection, such as

A recent study published in Science Translational Medicine by researchers at Northwestern University has generated cautious optimism in the Lyme disease community. The study found that an older antibiotic—piperacillin—was able to clear Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacteria that causes Lyme disease, in mice at doses 100 times lower than doxycycline. This is noteworthy. Doxycycline has long

A 23-year-old woman from Brooklyn, NY, presented to her primary care physician with bilateral knee swelling and pain three days after delivering a healthy baby girl. She rated the pain as 8 out of 10 in severity and reported that it worsened with walking. Case The patient recalled experiencing similar knee pain for two days

It’s a warm day, you’ve been hiking, gardening, or walking the dog—and later that evening, you find a tick. Sound familiar? Ticks are stealthy, patient, and highly sensitive hunters. While they can’t jump or fly, they are remarkably good at detecting hosts from a distance. Whether you’re deep in the woods or lounging in your