What Is Bartonella?
Bartonella is a group of bacteria that ticks can spread, but also fleas, lice, and even cats (you may have heard of “cat scratch disease”). In Lyme patients, it often shows up as a co-infection and complicates the healing process.
Bartonella has a unique trick: it hides inside the lining of your blood vessels, where it causes inflammation throughout your body. Bartonella is known as a stealth infection, in that it can be difficult to detect and flies under the radar of many doctors.
Symptoms of Bartonella
Bartonella tends to affect the nervous system, leading to a wide range of symptoms, including:
- Burning, tingling, or vibrating sensations in your skin
- Pain in the soles of your feet (especially first thing in the morning)
- Neurological symptoms like tremors, seizures, or cognitive difficulties
- Anxiety, depression, irritability
- Eye problems like blurred vision, pain, or light sensitivity
- Bone or joint pain
- Streak-like rashes that look like stretch marks
Because these symptoms overlap with so many conditions, Bartonella often remains undetected.
Why Bartonella Is Tricky
Labs
I use speciality laboratory testing to find Bartonella, otherwise I never see a positive lab test using Quest or Labcorp.
Standard Lyme treatments don’t touch Bartonella. It requires its own targeted therapy, and treatment can sometimes trigger Herxheimer reactions (a temporary flare-up of symptoms as bacteria die off). That’s why I pace treatment carefully and support your nervous system along the way.
Treatment Options for Bartonella
For Bartonella, I may recommend a specific combination of antibiotics:
- Herbal protocols specific to Bartonella
- Nervous system support to calm inflammation and help with sleep or anxiety
- Anti-inflammatory nutrition and lifestyle practices
It’s often amazing to have treated patient who has Lyme and possibly Babesia and is still not well, and then prescribe a Bartonella treatment who then transforms into a cured person. It’s like flipping a switch and they become well again. I have had 2 patients in the last month where this happens. Incredible!!
Don’t Let Bartonella Hold You Back: Contact North Coast Health Today
If you’ve treated Lyme but continue to experience neurological symptoms, burning or tingling pain, or mood changes, Bartonella could be complicating your recovery. The right approach can address this hidden infection and help your body start healing for good.
Take the first step toward relief by scheduling a consultation with North Coast Health. I can create a personalized plan to tackle Bartonella and support your nervous system every step of the way.
