Dr. Mark Pinsky: New Test Allows For More Accurate, Earlier Diagnosis For Lyme’s Disease
By Space Coast Daily // May 20, 2016
Long term effects of this can be devastating
BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – Lyme’s Disease is a tick borne disease much more prevalent in certain parts of the U.S. but not exclusive to those areas.
The tick that causes the illness is known as the deer tick (Borrelia Burgdorferi). While not common in Florida, many of us came from places where Lyme’s Disease is very prevalent.
The disease’s most common presenting symptom is a “bull’s eye” lesion seen on the skin. Unfortunately, many don’t get that symptom or any symptom and some don’t recognize that they have the classic skin lesion.
The current blood test only recognizes a part of the immune system (B cells). The problem is the current test often misses an active infection even if the patient currently has no symptoms.
The long term effects of this can be devastating. The disease can result in severe heart and neurological defects later in life even if the patient has no initial symptoms.
The converse also happens. The current test sometimes recognizes a mere antibody reaction as an infection resulting in patients receiving antibiotics that they don’t need.
So here’s the bottom line: The new test allows for more accurate and earlier diagnosis. This should result in patients being treated more expeditiously which should decrease complications from Lyme’s Disease.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Dr. Mark Pinsky has been practicing medicine for more than 20 years and is the director of the Pinsky Family and Sports Medicine Center in Viera, Florida, where he provides one-on-one care to his patients.
“My goal is to educate patients about their medical conditions so they can learn how to prevent disease or minimize complications from their existing conditions,” said Dr. Pinsky.
Dr. Pinsky is board certified in Family Medicine by the American Academy of Family Medicine and completed his doctorate degree from the University Of Health Sciences College Of Osteopathic Medicine in Kansas City, Missouri. His family practice residency was served at the University of Louisville in Kentucky.
In addition, Dr. Pinsky completed a sports medicine fellowship in Cleveland, Ohio with Lutheran Medical Center in conjunction with Horizon Orthopedics; the team physicians for the Cleveland Indians. He also has a certificate of additional qualifications in Sports Medicine from the American Academy of Family Practice. Dr. Pinsky also speaks nationally for several pharmaceutical companies.
SPORTS MEDICINE VETERAN
Dr. Pinsky has worked closely with high school, college, Olympic and professional athletes. During his 20-year career in Brevard County, Florida, he has served as the team physician for several high schools.
Currently, Dr. Pinsky provides care for Viera High School athletes, and is a partner of Medical Associates of Brevard.
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Dr. Pinsky is dedicated to patient-centered care through MDVIP, a nationwide network of physicians whose sole purpose is to provide superior individualized healthcare.
MDVIP makes patient medical issues their top priority. As an MDVIP physician, Dr. Pinsky takes pride in doing just that for each and every patient in his practice.
FOR MORE INFORMATION about Dr. Mark Pinsky log on to PinskyWellness.com
