deWhen the infection casts a long shadow
A tick, a short bite – and years later persistent exhaustion, joint pain or neurological disorders. More and more people are reporting so-called late effects of Lyme disease, even if the original infection has supposedly long since been overcome. But what exactly are these long-term effects? And what can be done if the symptoms do not disappear despite antibiotic therapy?
At VitaSangius, we have been supporting people with chronic consequences of infection for many years – including Lyme disease sufferers with complex symptoms. In this article, we take a comprehensive look at the topic of “late effects of Lyme disease” – scientifically, comprehensibly and with a view to innovative treatment options.
What is Lyme disease – and when do we talk about late effects?
Lyme borreliosis is a bacterial infection that is transmitted by tick bites – in Europe mainly by Borrelia burgdorferi. If detected early, it can usually be treated well with antibiotics. However, in some people the disease does not remain without consequences. Despite early treatment or undetected infection, symptoms develop months or years later that can severely restrict life.
These late effects of Lyme disease not only affect the immune system, but also the nervous system, the joints, the psyche and the general state of health.
Frequent late effects of Lyme disease – an ominous variety
The typical late effects of Lyme disease include
- Chronic exhaustion and fatigue
- Concentration and memory disorders (“brain fog”)
- Joint pain, migratory arthritis
- Neuropathies and paresthesias
- Cardiac arrhythmia (borrelia myocarditis)
- Depressive moods and anxiety
- Muscle tremors, unsteady gait, tinnitus
- Unclear visual or auditory perceptual disorders
These symptoms can occur individually or in a complex combination – sometimes intermittent, sometimes chronic and persistent. They are often summarized under the term post-borreliosis syndrome.
Why do late effects occur – despite treatment?
The exact mechanisms have not yet been conclusively researched. Possible causes are
- Persistence of borrelia or residual bacterial components
- Immune reactions against the body’s own structures (autoimmune processes)
- Inflammatory reactions in the central nervous system
- Disorders of mitochondrial function
- Toxic stress and co-infections (e.g.B. Bartonella, Babesia)
This means that even if an active bacterial infection is no longer detectable, systemic processes can continue – similar to Long Covid or ME/CFS.
The challenge of diagnostics
The diagnosis of late effects of Lyme disease is particularly challenging – not least because many patients already have a long medical odyssey behind them. Standard examinations often remain inconspicuous or only provide unspecific indications, even though the symptoms are severely debilitating.
At VitaSangius, we therefore rely on a practical, structured and patient-centered approach to diagnostics:
- Existing findings and laboratory values (e.g. from previous treatments or hospital stays) are comprehensively evaluated and integrated into the overall assessment.
- In addition, we use a detailed symptom checklist systematically record all current complaints in order to recognize typical distribution patterns in post-borreliosis conditions.
- In the event of clinical suspicion, a targeted serological test for Borrelia is carried out – including antibody differentiation (IgG/IgM) and, if necessary, immunoblotting for confirmation.
- This is supplemented by extended infection diagnostics, for example in the case of suspected co-infections such as Bartonella, Babesia or Epstein-Barr virus.
- In many cases, microbiological milieu and inflammation diagnostics are also useful, e.g. via CRP, cytokine profiles or mitochondrial markers.
Important: No test alone can unequivocally prove or rule out late effects of Lyme disease. The decisive factor is the overall clinical assessment of the patient’s medical history, the course of symptoms, exclusion diagnostics and laboratory data – combined with our many years of experience in the assessment of complex chronic courses.
Because only those who understand the cause can provide targeted and sustainable treatment – instead of merely concealing symptoms.
Our approach at VitaSangius
The treatment of late effects of Lyme disease requires an interdisciplinary, individualized approach. At VitaSangius, we combine modern high-performance diagnostics with biological systems medicine – and rely in particular on our hyperthermic hemoperfusionan innovative combination of fever induction and blood purification.
This special form of hemoperfusion at elevated temperatures makes it possible:
- Targeted elimination of bacterial components and circulating toxins
- Reduction of inflammatory cytokines and immunoactive substances
- Activation of the body’s own defense mechanisms
- Relief of mitochondria and cell metabolism
- Improvement of microcirculation and tissue supply
The therapy is supplemented by:
- Infusions for mitochondrial support
- Removal of heavy metals in case of stress
- Micronutrient rebalancing and milieu regulation
- Psychoeducational and holistic support
The focus is on the sustainable restoration of biological balance.
Case study: Return to life despite late effects
A 36-year-old female patient suffered from severe fatigue, visual disturbances, joint pain and diffuse anxiety after several unclear infections. The previous tick exposure was only recognized months later – Lyme disease had never been explicitly treated.
The patient came to VitaSangius with suspected late effects of Lyme disease. The diagnostics revealed, among other things, increased inflammatory markers, oxidative stress and a combination of co-infections.
After the first hyperthermic hemoperfusion, there was already a clear improvement: the patient reported more energy, more restful sleep and noticeable relief of cognitive symptoms.
Late effects of Lyme disease – often unrecognized, but treatable
The good news: late effects of Lyme disease are not destiny. Even if they were not taken seriously for a long time, there are now effective approaches – provided that the treatment is geared towards the actual causes.
At VitaSangius, we see time and again how patients can be treated with targeted milieu therapy, hyperthermic haemoperfusion and mitochondrial support to regain their strength.
Conclusion: When the infection is not forgotten
Late effects of Lyme disease affect thousands of people – often unnoticed or misclassified. Anyone suffering from unexplained chronic complaints should not underestimate the history of a tick bite.
At VitaSangius, we take your symptoms seriously. We listen. And we help to decipher the complex puzzle of your complaints.
Arrange a non-binding initial consultation now – our medical team is here for you.
www.vitasangius.de/therapien/borreliose
