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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Is Spinal Tap Procedure A Reliable Test For Lyme Disease?

I have just started treatment for lymes disease and on Tuesday woke up to Bells palsy. I am currently on prednisone, antibiotics and another medication as well as a potent probiotic. I haven t noticed a difference in the symptoms yet. The tick bite was noticed last Monday, July 17 and I didn t start on antibiotics until that Thursday. Are there other treatments I should consider. My doctor said I should possibly get a spinal tap. What is your opinion on a spinal tap?
Thu, 23 Aug 2018
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello

Please continue to take the medications prescribed. After the tick bite you have symptoms of Bells palsy and this indicates that the infection has affected your neurological system. When CNS Lyme disease is suspected, spinal tap should be taken to test the fluid and confirm diagnosis.
There are other tests, ELISA test and Western Blot test. The treatment includes oral as well as intravenous antibiotics. Get treated get well, take care.

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Is Spinal Tap Procedure A Reliable Test For Lyme Disease?

Hello Please continue to take the medications prescribed. After the tick bite you have symptoms of Bells palsy and this indicates that the infection has affected your neurological system. When CNS Lyme disease is suspected, spinal tap should be taken to test the fluid and confirm diagnosis. There are other tests, ELISA test and Western Blot test. The treatment includes oral as well as intravenous antibiotics. Get treated get well, take care. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.