In this episode of TOC Talks, Andrew Kistner talks with Elizabeth Terry, the Director of Medical Services at The Oxford Center, about a disease that will affect so many this fall… Lyme disease. Ticks always become so prevalent in the warm summer and fall months and Lyme disease is often not far off for those who have been bitten by a tick. Many struggle with recovering from Lyme disease, but thankfully, Elizabeth was able to share some helpful options that The Oxford Center offers. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) can help patients recover from Lyme disease, even if they have not been successful in antibiotic therapy. The Oxford Center also offers Neurofeedback Therapy and Nutritional Services to help you on your way to recovery and ensure you are operating at your best. Tune in to hear all about how these amazing options can help those with Lyme disease recover!
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Every summer, we all look forward to the time we’re going to spend outside with family and friends. Everything that puts a smile on our faces when we think of summer happens outside- beaches, hikes, playing with pets. With all the summer fun, though, we always seem to forget about all the pests that come out in summertime and all the insect bites we end up with… like tick bites.
Ticks are small parasites often found in wooded areas, grasslands, and areas with dense vegetation. Ticks bite humans and animals and can spread diseases, such as Lyme disease, through their bite. It is important to understand how to prevent tick bites and how to recognize signs of Lyme disease in the event of a bite so that you can seek treatment quickly.
What is Lyme Disease?
Lyme disease is an illness caused by borrelia bacteria. This bacterium transmits through the bite of a tick carrying the bacteria. This bacterium is common in parts of the United States, Europe, and Canada. Anyone who experiences a tick bite is at risk of developing symptoms of Lyme disease, which can prove serious, permanent, and even fatal if left untreated.
Symptoms
Symptoms of Lyme disease can vary and may develop in stages. Not everyone infected with Lyme disease will experience the same symptoms and some individuals may not display any symptoms at all. Common signs and symptoms associated with Lyme disease include:
Early Localized Stage:
Erythema migrans (EM) rash: A circular or bull’s-eye-shaped rash that expands from the site of the tick bite. It may appear within 3 to 30 days after the bite and is typically not itchy or painful.
Flu-like symptoms: Fever, fatigue, headache, muscle and joint aches, swollen lymph nodes, and general malaise.
Early Disseminated Stage:
Multiple EM rashes: Additional rashes may develop in different areas of the body.
Flu-like symptoms: Persistent fever, fatigue, headache, muscle and joint aches, and swollen lymph nodes.
Neurological symptoms: Numbness or tingling in the extremities, facial paralysis (Bell’s palsy), meningitis (headache, stiff neck, sensitivity to light), and dizziness.
Late Disseminated Stage:
Arthritis: Recurrent episodes of joint swelling, particularly in large joints like the knees.
Heart problems: Irregular heart rhythm, palpitations, and chest pain.
It’s important to note that these symptoms can overlap with other conditions, making a diagnosis challenging. If you experience any of these symptoms after a tick bite, seek medical attention for proper evaluation and diagnosis.
Without Treatment
If Lyme disease is left untreated, it can lead to more severe and potentially long-term complications. These complications can worsen as time goes on and can even become permanent if not addressed or addressed adequately. Severe complications may include chronic joint inflammation and arthritis, mobility issues, neurological complications, meningitis, heart abnormalities, serious cardiac issues, eye inflammation, hearing problems, memory impairment, mood changes such as depression and anxiety, and in rare cases- encephalitis and peripheral neuropathy.
How to Prevent Tick Bites & Lyme Disease
Lyme Disease can quickly become serious for those infected. It is important to be aware of simple ways to prevent tick bites and Lyme disease, such as:
Avoid tick-infested areas: When possible, try to stay away from areas with high grass, dense vegetation, and leaf litter where ticks are commonly found. If you need to be in such areas, walk in the center of trails and avoid brushing against vegetation.
Wear protective clothing: When spending time outdoors in tick-prone areas, wear long-sleeved shirts, long pants tucked into socks or boots, and a hat. Light-colored clothing can help you spot ticks more easily.
Perform tick checks: After spending time in areas where ticks may be present, thoroughly check your body for ticks. Pay close attention to areas such as the scalp, behind the ears, armpits, groin, and behind the knees. Promptly remove any ticks you find.
Shower after outdoor activities: Taking a shower within two hours of being outdoors can help wash away ticks that may be crawling on your body. Use a washcloth or loofah to help remove ticks that haven’t attached yet.
Maintain a tick-free yard: Create a tick-safe environment by keeping your lawn well-maintained, removing leaf litter, and clearing tall grass and brush.
Our Approach
The Oxford Center has developed a Lyme Disease Treatment Program to help you on your way to recovery. Our program includes the following services:
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT)
Traditional treatment for Lyme disease involves antibiotics in the form of either oral, injections, or IV. Co-infections frequently require a different treatment plan than antibiotic therapy as they are not always effective for Lyme disease. The bacteria associated with Lyme disease is very sensitive to oxygen and is debilitated in a highly oxygenated environment. Research shows that HBOT makes a significant improvement when used to treat Lyme disease, even with patients who have not been successful with antibiotic therapy. HBOT decreases inflammation, oxygenates the entire body, stimulates the growth of new healthy blood vessels, and releases stem cells up to 800% more after twenty sessions. Research shows that the efficiency of antibiotics in the case of Lyme Disease has increased as new blood vessel growth allows the medication to penetrate deeper into tissues.
A Quantitative EEG shows us the electrical activity of the brain. We will be able to see if inflammation is present, if there are any areas of hyper- or hypoactivity, and any areas of disconnect. Patients with Lyme disease may experience Post Treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome (PTLDS) and may experience pain, neurocognitive or fatigue symptoms, headaches, brain fog, and sleep disorders. PTLDS seems to occur more frequently after Lyme disease has caused neurological complications. Research suggests that the brain becomes more sensitive to pain signals and does not reset after the infection, causing the increased sensitivity to continue. Using the information from the QEEG, we can focus on the area(s) of the brain most affected and bring those areas back into balance through Neurofeedback Therapy.
Finally, nutrition helps to address co-infections associated with Lyme disease. Our services will look to heal the gut, look at what is wrong, and support your body in anything else going on. Gut healing is a great tool in your health journey, and it can be essential to addressing every issue going on in your body. Nutrition coaching provides the information and support you need to learn to enjoy health-building foods, create a healthy living environment, and feel good in your body.
PTSD, or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, is a term and condition many are familiar with, even if they do not suffer from the condition themselves or know someone personally who suffers from the condition. For those who have seen the effects of PTSD, they know how serious and debilitating the condition can really be. Some who develop this condition may lose their job, push away friends and family, lose the ability to care for themselves, fall into depression and other mental health concerns, etc. That’s why it is so important to spread awareness of the condition and promote any and all options to help treat this condition and promote recovery and healing.
What is PTSD?
PTSD stands for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, which is a psychological condition that can develop in individuals who experience or witness a traumatic event(s). In order to receive a diagnosis, a person must have symptoms that last for more than a month and the symptoms must cause significant problems in their functioning lives. In 2020, about 13 million people in the United States were diagnosed with PTSD. Statistically, women are twice as likely to have PTSD than men and we estimate that one in eleven people will receive this diagnosis in their lifetime. With such a significant portion of the population living with this condition, it is important to understand this condition and what options are out there to help heal and recover.
What Causes PTSD?
PTSD is a psychological condition that can develop after someone experiences a traumatic event or series of events. This condition is different for everyone, so the set circumstances in which someone develops this condition may vary between each person. Neurobiological factors, such as genetic predisposition, hormonal imbalances, and alterations in brain structure and function, can also play a role in the development of PTSD.
What are the Symptoms of PTSD?
Generally, there are four main types of symptoms for PTSD:
Re-experiencing: Someone with PTSD may re-experience their trauma through recollection, flashbacks, and/or nightmares.
Avoidance: Someone with PTSD may avoid anything that reminds them of their trauma and may become emotionally “numb”.
Alternations in Cognition & Mood: Regular and repeated negative thoughts /perceptions about self, others, and/or the world. They may lose interest in things they used to enjoy or have persistent feelings of shame/guilt.
Hyperarousal & Reactivity: This may include an increased feeling of irritability, difficulty sleeping or concentrating, being overly sensitive to threats, and being easily startled.
In order to be diagnosed, a person must have at least one re-experiencing symptom, three avoidance symptoms, two negative alterations, and two hyperarousal symptoms for at least one month.
The Oxford Center’s Approach to PTSD
Neurofeedback
With this purpose in mind, The Oxford Center is at the forefront of utilizing innovative therapeutic modalities, including neurofeedback, to treat PTSD. Neurofeedback is a non-invasive technique that aims to improve brain function by providing real-time feedback on brainwave activity. By monitoring brainwave patterns, individuals can learn to self-regulate their brain activity, leading to improved emotional and cognitive functioning.
Neurofeedback has shown promising results in treating PTSD, with research indicating its effectiveness in reducing symptoms and improving overall well-being. Studies have demonstrated that neurofeedback can lead to decreased hyperarousal, increased emotional regulation, and enhanced cognitive flexibility in individuals with this condition.
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is a treatment method that involves breathing pure oxygen. While traditionally used for conditions such as decompression sickness and non-healing wounds, emerging research suggests that HBOT may also offer benefits for individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). By exposing individuals to increased levels of oxygen, HBOT aims to enhance oxygen delivery to tissues, promote healing, and reduce inflammation. Studies have indicated that HBOT can have positive effects on brain function, including neuroplasticity and neurogenesis. These neuroprotective and regenerative properties hold promise for individuals with PTSD, as they may help alleviate symptoms such as anxiety, depression, cognitive impairments, and sleep disturbances.
In this Episode of TOC Talks, Andrew sits down with Elizabeth Terry, our Director of Medical Services, to discuss Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), the causes and solutions, and what options are out there to help promote recovery! Listen in to find out how alternative treatments like Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy and Neurofeedback Therapy can help relieve PTSD symptoms! Don’t miss out on this interesting and informative episode!
Check It Out!
Want to listen to TOC Talks without the video? Subscribe to TOC Talks on your favorite Audio or Podcast platform!
Check out our episode and don’t forget to subscribe to TOC Talks! We can be found on all your favorite Audio or Podcast platforms as well as video podcasts on our YouTube and Facebook pages! Find us at the links below!
Want to stay connected and up to date on what is happening at The Oxford Center? Make sure to follow our Social Media Pages! If you would like to find our TOC Talks Podcast page, click on the link below.
In recent years, people have been much more open in their conversations surrounding mental health and it is clear we are in a mental health crisis. For those struggling with their mental health such as anxiety/depression, the options may feel limited. Most commonly, these individuals turn to psychiatric medications that may or may not help, therapy, changes in diet or exercise, or they may not be able to explore any options. Recent studies have shown that another type of non-invasive therapy is effective in alleviating anxiety and depression: neurofeedback therapy.
What is Neurofeedback Therapy?
Neurofeedback therapy is a neurological therapy that can identify dysregulated brain waves and train your brain to function optimally. Firstly, a qEEG (quantitative electroencephalogram) will observe and measure brain waves. This test reveals target areas of the brain that are over or under active and can contribute to developing a plan of action. Following a qEEG, the therapy will use stimulus such as an image or music to help train the brain to operate correctly. When the brain is not operating properly, the stimulus will be unclear, and the brain will naturally want to correct itself in order for the stimulus to appear/sound clearly. As therapy sessions progress, the brain will naturally learn to function optimally for the stimulus to appear/sound clearly. This therapy, in turn, helps train your brain to self-regulate, cope, and manage correctly.
Can Neurofeedback Therapy Help with Anxiety/Depression?
With neurofeedback being able to help train the brain to regulate itself and learn to maintain healthy brain wave patterns, it becomes a great tool to help improve mental health. In particular, neurofeedback can help alleviate anxiety and depression in these ways:
Regulate Brain Patterns
Firstly, anxiety and depression are often associated with abnormal brainwave patterns, such as excessive activity in the beta frequency range (linked to anxiety) or insufficient activity in the alpha or theta frequency ranges (linked to relaxation and emotional regulation). Neurofeedback aims to train individuals to modulate their brainwave activity by rewarding desired patterns and discouraging undesired ones. Through repeated sessions, this process can help individuals achieve a more balanced and regulated brainwave state.
Promote Self-Regulation
Secondly, neurofeedback empowers individuals to take an active role in their mental health by providing them with real-time feedback on their brain activity. By gaining awareness of their brainwave patterns, individuals can learn to recognize and self-regulate their emotional states. This newfound ability to modulate their brain activity promotes a sense of control and self-efficacy, crucial factors in managing anxiety and depression.
Target Specific Symptoms
Finally, neurofeedback can be tailored to address specific symptoms associated with anxiety and depression. For example, for individuals experiencing excessive rumination and negative thought patterns, neurofeedback protocols can focus on increasing regulated brain wave activity associated with relaxation and positive mood. By customizing the training to target individual symptoms, neurofeedback offers a personalized and targeted approach to mental health.
Neurofeedback Therapy for Anxiety/Depression at The Oxford Center
Here at The Oxford Center, we want to help you in every way we can. That’s why our experienced team can help guide you through Neurofeedback Therapy sessions to reach optimal brain patterns and improve your mental health (e.g. anxiety, depression, etc.). This therapy is non-invasive, and the best part? All the progress you make in our sessions is yours to keep forever! If you are interested in learning more about how The Oxford Center can help you improve your mental health, contact us today!
In this Episode of TOC Talks, Andrew sits down with JeAnnah Powell, our Director of Neurofeedback! They discuss JeAnnah’s history and journey with viral encephalitis that inspired her mother to open The Oxford Center, what neurofeedback therapy is, and how neurofeedback can help just about anyone with a brain! Tune in to find out why everybody with a brain could benefit from neurofeedback therapy and if your brain can run more efficiently! Spoiler alert- it probably can!
Check It Out!
Haven’t heard the full story of how The Oxford Center was formed? Read about it here!
Want to listen to TOC Talks without the video? Subscribe to TOC Talks on your favorite Audio or Podcast platform!
Check out our episode and don’t forget to subscribe to TOC Talks! We can be found on all your favorite Audio or Podcast platforms as well as video podcasts on our YouTube and Facebook pages! Find us at the links below!
Want to stay connected and up to date on what is happening at The Oxford Center? Make sure to follow our Social Media Pages! If you would like to find our TOC Talks Podcast page, click on the link below.
What is a Discovery Session, and why do I need one?
The purpose of the Discovery Session is for one of our team members to better understand your situation and what your journey has been like so far. From there, our team member can discuss COMPASS in more detail and how it can help give you success in your next states of meaningful employment.
Please fill out the form below if you would like our staff to contact you, answer your questions, or get you scheduled for a free Discovery Session.
