What Is Lyme Disease?
Lyme disease is common in the United States. About 30,000 Lyme Disease cases are reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) every year; however, the actual number of annual cases is probably closer to nearly half a million people.
Individuals with Lyme Disease have been infected by a blacklegged tick carrying the Borrelia burgdorferi” bacteria. Not all ticks carry Lyme; however, if you find a tick on yourself or have symptoms associated with Lyme (i.e., rash, fever, or headaches) after being in the woods, it is important to inform your doctor so you can get diagnosed and treated promptly. This is key to preventing some long standing issues and co-infections often associated with chronic Lyme symptoms.
Lyme Disease generally causes fatigue, pain, headaches and more in individuals who are infected. Most cases can be treated and cured with a two-to-four week course of antibiotics if they are caught early. The majority of individuals fully recover when prescribed the right antibiotics. Unfortunately, there are some patients who are resistant to antibiotics and continue to exhibit symptoms for six or more months after intense antibiotic therapy.
What Is Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome?
When Lyme symptoms persist, even after antibiotics, it is called Post-Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS), which currently has no approved treatment; and there exists little evidence in scientific literature regarding its diagnosis. Having said that, it is very real to patients who experience it and can be debilitating. PTLDS is often painful, and can cause depression due to the mental and physical toll it takes on a persons’ body. Most individuals with PTLDS recover eventually, but it can take a time.
According to a National Institutes of Health (NIH) study, “10–15% of [Lyme] patients who were ideally treated with antibiotics” develop PTLDS. PTLDS is “characterized by persistent or recurrent symptoms of fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, and cognitive complaints leading to functional decline”. It is not fully understood why some individuals develop PTLDS. Some experts believe that the bacteria associated with Lyme can cause an autoimmune reaction that leads to more symptoms.
Can Ketamine and IV Vitamins Help With Lyme Disease Symptoms?
Ketamine infusions can reduce symptoms of pain and depression in patients with PTLDS. Ketamine blocks NMDA receptors that amplify pain signals, which is how it influences pain in the brain, and it can also reduce the depression that often comes with PTLDS.
Some experts also believe that intravenous (IV) vitamin therapy can reduce the severity of symptoms associated with Lyme. Vitamins can reduce inflammation, increase energy, and provide immune support. When administered through an IV, vitamins, and the health benefits that come with them, are completely absorbed by the body.
What Does the Research Show About Ketamine and PTLDS?
The main published evidence is a 2017 case report. It describes one woman with PTLDS whose pain had not responded to radiofrequency ablation, vitamin infusions or opioid analgesics. After intravenous ketamine, her chronic pain eased, her quality of life improved, her depression and suicidal ideation decreased, and her opioid use fell. A single case cannot show how ketamine works for other patients.
Who Is a Candidate for Ketamine or IV Vitamins With Lyme Symptoms?
Avesta screens every patient first, reviewing health history, allergies and medications and, for ketamine, blood pressure and cardiac history. Avesta pauses or refers out for uncontrolled high blood pressure, a recent heart attack or stroke, active untreated psychosis or mania, or pregnancy or breastfeeding. Ketamine is not an approved treatment for PTLDS, so discuss the plan with the provider treating your Lyme symptoms.
Discuss IV vitamin and/or ketamine therapy with the provider treating your Lyme symptoms, and contact us for a free consultation. We are also happy to schedule a time to speak with you and your provider to answer any questions you, or they may have about ketamine and IV vitamin therapy for Lyme symptoms.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
Coauthored, in alphabetical order by: Dr. Ladan Eshkevari, PhD, CRNA, FAAN, and Stephanie Gordon, BA
