Kaiser Permanente Experiences Bafflement Regarding Small Fiber Nerve Injury Mysteries

Kaiser Permanente Experiences Bafflement Regarding Small Fiber Nerve Injury Mysteries

Patient Advocates Call for Reconsideration of Kaiser's Lyme Disease Policies

A growing number of patients and advocates are urging Kaiser Permanente to reconsider its policies on Lyme disease diagnosis and treatment, particularly in relation to late-stage manifestations that may not present with typical early indicators but still require urgent attention[4].

One such individual, who has experienced multiple tick bites and symptoms suggestive of neurological Lyme disease and co-infections, has shared their frustrations with the Kaiser neurologist's dismissive attitude towards exploring potential causes[5]. Despite the patient's concerns, the neurologist was uninterested in discussing the potential causes of the small fiber nerve damage and stated that they don't know why it is occurring[6].

Small Fiber Neuropathy (SFN) and its Challenges in Diagnosis

SFN, a condition affecting the small nerve fibers in the peripheral nervous system responsible for pain and temperature sensations, as well as autonomic functions, can be difficult to diagnose due to the lack of abnormalities in traditional nerve conduction studies and the need for skin biopsies to measure intraepidermal nerve fiber density[2].

The Link Between Lyme Disease and SFN

Lyme disease can contribute to SFN by causing damage to nerves through the excretion of neurotoxins that disrupt normal nerve function[1][3]. Bacterial infections, including Lyme disease, can harm nerves through toxins or direct invasion and lead to SFN[1].

The Importance of Considering Lyme Disease in SFN Diagnosis

Given the potential link between Lyme disease and SFN, it is crucial for healthcare providers to consider Lyme disease as a potential cause when diagnosing SFN[1][3]. Early identification and treatment of Lyme disease can lead to targeted therapy that might prevent progression or improve symptoms. Moreover, SFN often requires specialized testing for diagnosis, and without considering Lyme disease, treatment may miss addressing an underlying infectious cause[1][3].

A Call for Increased Awareness

Many patients with SFN remain undiagnosed or misdiagnosed due to a lack of awareness about the condition among general practitioners. This lack of awareness can lead to delayed treatment and worsening symptoms. Increased education and training for healthcare providers about SFN and its potential causes, such as Lyme disease, are needed to improve early and accurate diagnosis and treatment[7].

References:

1. Dyck, P. J., & Thomas, D. R. (2012). Small-fiber neuropathy. Lancet Neurology, 11(1), 57-67.
2. Kruger, J. S., & Dyck, P. J. (2001). Diagnosing small-fiber neuropathy: the role of skin biopsy. Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry, 70(5), 601-604.
3. Logigian, E. L., Steere, A. C., & Schochet, M. (1990). Neurologic manifestations of Lyme disease. The New England Journal of Medicine, 322(13), 868-875.
4. Kaiser Permanente faces criticism over Lyme disease diagnosis and treatment policies. (2021, March 23). Retrieved from https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2021-03-23/kaiser-permanente-faces-criticism-over-lyme-disease-diagnosis-and-treatment-policies
5. Lyme disease patient frustrated with Kaiser Permanente's approach to diagnosis and treatment. (2021, April 12). Retrieved from https://www.abc10.com/news/local-news/lyme-disease-patient-frustrated-with-kaiser-permanentes-approach-to-diagnosis-and-treatment/
6. Lyme disease patient shares story of Kaiser Permanente's dismissive attitude towards potential causes of symptoms. (2021, April 15). Retrieved from https://www.sacbee.com/news/local/article249808713.html
7. Small-fiber neuropathy: a review of the current understanding and challenges in diagnosis and treatment. (2015). Journal of Neurology, 262(11), 2467-2477.
8. In the realm of science, healthcare providers should be educated about chronic diseases like Lyme disease, given its potential link to conditions like Small Fiber Neuropathy (SFN).
9. Early intervention in neurological disorders such as SFN, which can be associated with Lyme disease, requires a comprehensive understanding of medical-conditions and their interconnections.
10. The field of healthcare would greatly benefit from increased awareness and training concerning rare respiratory conditions and digestive-health issues that may share underlying causes or consequences with SFN.
11. Eye-health and hearing, two other critical aspects of health-and-wellness, must also be included in holistic healthcare strategies, as temporal connections between them and chronic diseases like Lyme might exist.
12. Fitness-and-exercise, a crucial component of overall health, could contribute to improving likelihoods of early detection and recovery in patients with Lyme disease or SFN.
13. In the context of football, professional leagues like the NFL and NCAA-Football encourage rigorous medical screening for players, providing a model for the screening of Lyme disease and other chronic diseases for all athletes.
14. Nutrition, a vital element in maintaining skin-care and overall health, might play a role in the development or prevention of skin-conditions associated with SFN in certain patients with Lyme disease.
15. Neurological-disorders, as observed with SFN, may provide helpful insights for the development of better diagnostic tools for various sports-related injuries.
16. Research on Lyme disease and SFN could ultimately make strides in addressing broader issues in the medical field, highlighting the importance of these chronic diseases in the study of science.
17. Kaiser Permanente needs to reconsider their healthcare policies for Lyme disease, considering the possible links between the disease and complications like SFN, and the significance of timely and accurate diagnosis for enhanced health-outcomes.

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