Lyme Disease & Tick-Borne Illness Treatment
Chronic Infection, Neuroimmune Dysregulation & Whole-Body Inflammation
A Systems-Based, Clinically Guided Approach
Lyme disease and related tick-borne illnesses remain some of the most misunderstood and controversial conditions in modern medicine.
For decades, patients with persistent symptoms were often told:
- Their infection had been “adequately treated”
- Their tests were negative
- Their symptoms were unrelated or psychosomatic
- Nothing further could be done
At the same time, others were exposed to overly rigid or aggressive treatment models that failed to address the complex biology underlying chronic illness.
At James Clinic, we operate in neither extreme.
We approach Lyme and tick-borne illness as a multi-system, immune-mediated condition, requiring clinical judgment, advanced diagnostics, and individualized care.
A Necessary Shift in Perspective
Historically, major public health agencies and professional societies rejected the concept of persistent or chronic Lyme disease, relying heavily on limited diagnostic criteria and short-course treatment models.
However, that position has evolved.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now acknowledges that:
- Lyme disease can be difficult to diagnose
- Available tests have limitations
- Some patients experience prolonged symptoms
- Clinical judgment must be used alongside laboratory data
This shift reflects what frontline clinicians have observed for years:
testing alone does not capture the full clinical picture.
Lyme Disease Is Rarely a Single-Layer Problem
Tick-borne illness is not just an infection to be “cleared.”
In many patients, it becomes a neuroimmune inflammatory condition involving:
- Borrelia species
- Co-infections (Babesia, Bartonella, Ehrlichia, Anaplasma, others)
- Immune dysregulation
- Neuroinflammation
- Mitochondrial dysfunction
- Autonomic nervous system disruption
- Hormonal and metabolic imbalance
As illness persists, symptoms are often driven as much by host response as by the pathogen itself.
This is why simplistic treatment models frequently fail
Our Clinical Framework
Our approach aligns with principles advanced by the International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society (ILADS), which emphasize:
- Recognition of diagnostic limitations
- Importance of clinical assessment
- Individualized treatment strategies
- Reassessment and adjustment over time
We often describe chronic Lyme as an adult analogue of pediatric neuroimmune syndromes, such as PANS:
- Infection acts as the trigger
- Immune dysregulation sustains symptoms
- The nervous system becomes inflamed and sensitized
- Multi-system dysfunction follows
Symptoms We Commonly See
Patients may present with overlapping and fluctuating symptoms, including:
Neurologic & Cognitive
- Brain fog
- Memory or concentration difficulty
- Headaches
- Sensory sensitivity
- Mood changes or anxiety
Musculoskeletal
- Migratory joint or muscle pain
- Stiffness or weakness
Systemic & Autonomic
- Profound fatigue
- Exercise intolerance
- Temperature dysregulation
- Dizziness or palpitations
Immune & Inflammatory
- Relapsing symptoms
- Flu-like malaise
- Heightened reactivity to stress or illness
Hormonal & Metabolic
- Sleep disruption
- Thyroid dysfunction
- Adrenal stress patterns
- Weight or energy instability
Patterns matter more than any single symptom.
Advanced Diagnostic Strategy
We integrate clinical evaluation with advanced, specialty testing when appropriate.
In addition to standard laboratory work, we may utilize:
- IGeneX Laboratories for expanded Lyme and co-infection testing
- Vibrant Wellness Tick-Borne Disease Panels to assess a broader spectrum of pathogens and immune response patterns
These tests are not used in isolation.
They are interpreted within the context of symptoms, history, and response to care.
A negative test does not automatically exclude illness.
A positive test does not dictate treatment in isolation.
Before initiating treatment, we focus on clarity and context:
Before initiating treatment, we focus on clarity and context:
- Detailed illness timeline and exposure history
- Prior testing and treatments
- Immune and inflammatory markers
- Metabolic, mitochondrial, and hormonal status
- Functional impact on daily life
This allows us to determine severity, phase, and dominant drivers of illness.
(Every patient)
Before targeting organisms, we stabilize the host.
This includes:
- Nutritional and metabolic optimization
- Gut and liver support
- Mitochondrial and cellular energy support
- Nervous system regulation
- Sleep and stress restoration
- Inflammation modulation
Treating infection without supporting physiology often worsens outcomes.
(Individualized)
Depending on findings and tolerance, treatment may include:
Herbal & Botanical Antimicrobials
- Often used early or alongside prescriptions
- Can be gentler and more sustainable
- Useful for long-term immune engagement
Prescription Antimicrobials
- Used selectively when indicated
- Chosen based on symptom patterns and suspected organisms
- Carefully monitored for response and side effects
Managing Herxheimer Reactions
As treatment progresses, some patients experience Jarisch–Herxheimer reactions, including:
- Increased fatigue
- Pain flares
- Cognitive fog
- Flu-like symptoms
We proactively support detoxification and inflammatory pathways to:
- Improve tolerability
- Reduce symptom burden
- Prevent unnecessary treatment cessation
Advanced & Integrative Therapies
(Used selectively)
For certain patients, we may incorporate additional supportive therapies, such as:
- Ozone-based treatments for immune modulation
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for immune and tissue signaling support
- Mitochondrial reboot therapies for profound fatigue and cellular dysfunction
These are adjunctive tools, not stand-alone solutions.
What Sets Our Approach Apart
- We do not rely on tests alone
- We do not dismiss symptoms when labs are inconclusive
- We do not apply rigid protocols
- We reassess and adjust intentionally
This is measured, ethical, systems-based care.
Who This Approach Is For
This program may be appropriate if you:
- Have persistent symptoms after known or suspected tick exposure
- Were told testing was “negative” despite classic patterns
- Have relapsing or multi-system illness
- Did not respond to short-course or fragmented treatment
- Want a thoughtful, comprehensive evaluation
A Realistic View of Recovery
Recovery from Lyme and tick-borne illness is often:
- Gradual
- Non-linear
- Dependent on immune recalibration
Progress is measured in:
- Function
- Resilience
- Stability
- Quality of life
Not quick fixes.
Lyme disease is complex.
So is recovery.
The right framework makes all the difference.
Frequently asked questions
We have the information you need for our Lyme treatment protocol and the common questions we answer for our patients.
We use a comprehensive approach to diagnose Lyme Disease. This includes a detailed clinical assessment of your medical history and symptoms, as well as advanced diagnostic testing. We utilize specialized blood tests to detect Borrelia burgdorferi and other co-infections. Additionally, we may use the Horowitz Lyme Questionnaire to assess the likelihood of Lyme Disease based on your specific symptoms and exposure history.
Yes, The James Clinic incorporates natural and integrative therapies as part of our comprehensive treatment approach for Lyme Disease. In addition to conventional antimicrobial treatments, we offer nutritional supplements, herbal remedies, IV nutrient therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), and ozone therapy. These integrative therapies aim to support the immune system, reduce inflammation, and promote overall healing, providing a holistic approach to managing and treating Lyme Disease.