According to reports from the CDC, “Lyme disease is diagnosed based on symptoms, physical findings (e.g., rash), and the possibility of exposure to infected ticks. Laboratory testing is helpful if used correctly and performed with validated methods.”

Lyme disease is often called “the great mimicker” because the symptoms can vary widely and cover many different parts of the body, including the central nervous system.

I have diagnosed many people with Lyme disease. Most had no recollection of a tick bite or an erythema migrans rash.

Although those are the classic indications, most victims of Lyme disease do not present that way.

As noted, Lyme disease can mimic many other illnesses, making it very difficult to identify.

And if you can’t come up with a valid diagnosis, it’s impossible to formulate an effective treatment plan.