Lyme Disease Evaluation & Treatment in Oregon

Compassionate, Comprehensive Care for Lyme Disease and Co-Infections

At Willow Natural Health, Dr. Cori Burke provides thoughtful, evidence-informed evaluation and treatment for Lyme disease and associated tick-borne infections for patients throughout Oregon. Whether you are dealing with a recent tick bite, late disseminated Lyme disease, or persistent symptoms after prior treatment, Dr. Burke takes a comprehensive, patient-centered approach to care.

Lyme disease is one of the most misunderstood and frequently missed illnesses in modern medicine. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most life-altering when left untreated or inadequately addressed. Many people spend months or even years searching for answers while struggling with fatigue, chronic pain, neurological symptoms, cognitive difficulties, immune dysfunction, and declining quality of life.

Dr. Burke specializes in the evaluation and treatment of Lyme disease and associated tick-borne infections. She has extensive experience caring for patients with chronic persistent Lyme disease, including those who continue to experience symptoms after prior treatment. Dr. Burke takes a comprehensive, individualized approach that considers immune function, nervous system health, inflammation, co-infections, and other factors that may influence recovery. She has particular expertise in the overlap between Lyme disease and Mold Illness (CIRS). She provides evidence-informed care for patients at all stages of their health journey, with a focus on supporting meaningful improvement in quality of life.

What Is Lyme Disease?

Lyme disease is an infection caused primarily by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi, transmitted through tick bites. While some people develop the classic “bullseye” rash after exposure, many do not. Symptoms can vary widely and may affect the nervous system, immune system, joints, cardiovascular system, digestive system, and more.

For some individuals, symptoms persist long after the initial infection and may evolve into a complex, multi-system illness. Lyme disease can also occur alongside co-infections and overlapping conditions that complicate diagnosis and recovery.

Common symptoms may include:

Because Lyme disease can mimic many other conditions, it is frequently overlooked or misdiagnosed.

A More Comprehensive Approach to Lyme Disease Evaluation

Diagnosing Lyme disease is not always straightforward. Standard two-tier testing (ELISA followed by Western Blot) can be helpful in some situations, but it has important limitations. Because these tests primarily measure the body’s antibody response, they may miss infections in certain circumstances, particularly during the early stages of illness, in individuals with altered immune responses, or when symptoms have been present for an extended period of time.

For this reason, Dr. Burke takes a comprehensive, clinically informed approach to Lyme disease evaluation. Rather than relying solely on conventional screening tests, she carefully considers a patient’s symptoms, exposure history, physical examination findings, response to previous treatments, and the potential presence of co-infections that may accompany Lyme disease.

Comprehensive Lyme & Co-Infections Testing

When appropriate, Dr. Burke may recommend advanced specialty laboratory testing through organizations such as:

• IGeneX Laboratories — A CLIA-certified laboratory specializing in Lyme disease and tick-borne infection testing. IGeneX offers advanced immunoblot, PCR, and tick-borne disease panels designed to evaluate Lyme disease as well as common co-infections such as Babesia, Bartonella, Ehrlichia, and Anaplasma.
• DNA ConneXions — Utilizes PCR-based technology to identify genetic material from Lyme-associated organisms and selected co-infections. This testing can provide additional information beyond traditional antibody testing and may be useful in certain clinical situations.
• Vibrant Wellness Tickborne Disease Testing — Evaluates Lyme disease and a broad range of tick-borne co-infections using advanced antibody and DNA-based testing methods. These panels assess organisms such as Borrelia, Bartonella, Babesia, Ehrlichia, Rickettsia, and others that may contribute to ongoing symptoms.

No laboratory test is perfect, and Lyme disease remains a clinical diagnosis. Dr. Burke uses laboratory findings as one piece of the puzzle while considering the broader clinical picture to help patients gain clarity and make informed decisions about treatment.

Integrative Treatment for Lyme Disease in Portland, Oregon

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to Lyme disease treatment. Every patient’s experience is unique, and successful care often requires a personalized strategy that takes into account symptoms, medical history, co-existing conditions, treatment goals, and individual sensitivities.

Treatment plans may include support for:

• Immune system regulation
• Nervous system function and autonomic balance
• Inflammation and immune dysregulation
• Sleep quality and restorative rest
• Energy production and mitochondrial health
• Gastrointestinal health and microbiome balance
• Detoxification and biotransformation pathways
• Mast cell stabilization and histamine regulation
• Nutritional deficiencies and metabolic health
• Hormonal and endocrine balance

Depending on the individual’s needs, treatment protocols may incorporate:

• Herbal and botanical medicine
• Targeted nutritional supplementation
• Dietary and lifestyle interventions
• Pacing and energy management strategies
• Nervous system regulation techniques
• Prescription medications when appropriate
• Supportive therapies to improve resilience and quality of life

At Willow Natural Health, Lyme disease care is collaborative, compassionate, and thoughtfully paced. Treatment recommendations are tailored to each patient’s needs and adjusted over time based on clinical response and evolving goals.

Pediatric Lyme Disease Care in Oregon

Children and adolescents with Lyme disease or tick-borne infections may present differently than adults. Symptoms can include fatigue, headaches, abdominal pain, sensory sensitivities, sleep disturbances, anxiety, mood changes, behavioral changes, joint pain, dizziness, difficulty with school participation, and declining physical stamina.

Dr. Burke provides evaluation and treatment for both adults and children ages 2 and older. She has extensive experience supporting families navigating Lyme disease alongside overlapping conditions such as PANS/PANDAS, Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS), Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS), hypermobility disorders, dysautonomia, and autism.

Care is individualized to each child’s needs and family goals, with an emphasis on compassionate, trauma-informed, family-centered support.

Looking for Lyme Disease Treatment in Oregon?

Living with Lyme disease can be frustrating, especially when symptoms persist and answers feel difficult to find. If you are looking for a comprehensive, whole-person approach to Lyme disease care in Portland, Milwaukie, or anywhere in Oregon through telehealth, Dr. Burke is here to help.

You do not have to navigate this journey alone. Contact Willow Natural Health to learn more.