Lifespan Lyme Disease Center

Lyme Disease Diagnosis and Treatment in Rhode Island

Lyme Disease Diagnosis and Testing

Our specialists test for and diagnose Lyme disease using the most current and reputable methods, including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommended Lyme reflex and Lyme IgM and IgG western blot. At times, other tests are also utilized, since symptoms from different diseases can overlap. We also test for other rare and co-occurring tick-borne illnesses such as babesiosis, ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis.

Evaluation of Lyme Disease Symptoms

Many patients with chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, and other conditions are understandably concerned that they have Lyme disease. We are happy to evaluate all chronic symptoms that are difficult to classify and address, to rule out the involvement of Lyme disease. However, we do not treat other chronic conditions; we treat tick-borne diseases exclusively.

Individual Treatment Plan for Lyme Disease 

Our team creates an individual treatment plan for each patient. Depending on the patient’s unique needs and goals, that plan might include:

  • Antibiotic therapy
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy, to assist with the cognitive and emotional issues some patients experience
  • Physical therapy, to build strength and resilience and alleviate muscle and joint pain
  • Complementary therapies, including non-traditional approaches such as yoga, acupuncture and more
  • Consultation and/or referral to neurologists, rheumatologists, and other specialists as needed

Management of Lyme Disease Symptoms

As with any chronic condition, we may not always be able to eliminate symptoms entirely, but we can help patients to feel and function better. We monitor each patient’s progress and reaction to different therapies and treatments in order to identify the best course of care.

Follow-Up and Collaboration with Primary Care Provider

We take a team approach, working collaboratively with our patients’ primary care providers in the interests of long-term health and recovery.

Learn more about tick-borne diseases at www.cdc.gov.