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Dr. Andrew Rynne
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Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How To Treat Headache At Base Of The Skull Despite Taking Doxycyline For Lyme Disease?

My 25 year old daughter has POTS caused by Lyme Disease. She is on 300mg Doxycycline for Lyme, 1mg Florinef and 12.5mg metroprolo for the POTS. She has not yet had bad headaches, but today after taking a warm bath it caused a HERX reaction. Pain moved from right side of head to the back at the base of the skull and neck. SHe s been on 300mg doxy for 1 week, slowly working up for a month.She is trying to detox with alka seltzer and lemon water and natural detox supplements. The pain is in two specific spots at base of skull. Is there anything else that can be done to alleviate the pain? I m thinking this is the Bartonella.
Tue, 11 Apr 2023
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General & Family Physician 's  Response
Hi,

It is not uncommon for individuals with Lyme disease to experience headaches, especially during a Herxheimer reaction, which occurs when the body reacts to the release of toxins as the bacteria are killed off by the antibiotics. While Doxycycline is effective in treating Lyme disease, it may take time to fully clear the infection and alleviate all symptoms.

In addition to the detox methods your daughter is using, several other things may help alleviate the pain at the base of the skull. These include:
* Applying heat or cold to the affected area: This can help to reduce inflammation and ease pain. Your daughter can try alternating between heat and cold to see which provides the most relief.
* Massage therapy: Massage can help to loosen tight muscles and ease tension in the neck and shoulders, which may be contributing to the pain.
* Acupuncture: Acupuncture is a medicine technique that comes from traditional Chinese practices that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to help relieve pain and promote healing.
* Over-the-counter pain relievers: Your daughter may want to try taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help alleviate the pain. However, it is important to check with her doctor before taking any new medications.
* Gentle stretching and exercise: Stretching and light exercise can help to improve circulation, reduce tension, and ease pain. Your daughter may want to try yoga or other gentle exercises to see if they help alleviate her symptoms.

Your daughter needs to continue taking her prescribed medications as directed by her doctor and discuss any new symptoms or concerns with her healthcare provider.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician
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How To Treat Headache At Base Of The Skull Despite Taking Doxycyline For Lyme Disease?

Hi, It is not uncommon for individuals with Lyme disease to experience headaches, especially during a Herxheimer reaction, which occurs when the body reacts to the release of toxins as the bacteria are killed off by the antibiotics. While Doxycycline is effective in treating Lyme disease, it may take time to fully clear the infection and alleviate all symptoms. In addition to the detox methods your daughter is using, several other things may help alleviate the pain at the base of the skull. These include: * Applying heat or cold to the affected area: This can help to reduce inflammation and ease pain. Your daughter can try alternating between heat and cold to see which provides the most relief. * Massage therapy: Massage can help to loosen tight muscles and ease tension in the neck and shoulders, which may be contributing to the pain. * Acupuncture: Acupuncture is a medicine technique that comes from traditional Chinese practices that involves the insertion of thin needles into specific points on the body to help relieve pain and promote healing. * Over-the-counter pain relievers: Your daughter may want to try taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen to help alleviate the pain. However, it is important to check with her doctor before taking any new medications. * Gentle stretching and exercise: Stretching and light exercise can help to improve circulation, reduce tension, and ease pain. Your daughter may want to try yoga or other gentle exercises to see if they help alleviate her symptoms. Your daughter needs to continue taking her prescribed medications as directed by her doctor and discuss any new symptoms or concerns with her healthcare provider. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician