Conquering Lyme Disease - by Brian A Fallon & Jennifer Sotsky

About the Book

Written for the educated patient and health care provider, Conquering Lyme Disease gives an up-to-the-minute overview of the science that is transforming the way we address this complex illness. Brian A. Fallon and Jennifer Sotsky argue forcefully that the expanding plague of Lyme and other tick-borne diseases can be confronted successfully.

Book Synopsis

Lyme disease is the most common tick-borne illness in the United States, with more than 300,000 cases diagnosed each year. However, doctors are deeply divided on how to diagnose and treat it, giving rise to the controversy known as the "Lyme Wars." Firmly entrenched camps have emerged, causing physicians, patient communities, and insurance providers to be pitted against one another in a struggle to define Lyme disease and its clinical challenges. Health care providers may not be aware of its diverse manifestations or the limitations of diagnostic tests. Meanwhile, patients have felt dismissed by their doctors and confused by the conflicting opinions and dubious self-help information found online.

In this authoritative book, the Columbia University Medical Center physicians Brian A. Fallon and Jennifer Sotsky explain that, despite the vexing "Lyme Wars," there is cause for both doctors and patients to be optimistic. The past decade's advances in precision medicine and biotechnology are reshaping our understanding of Lyme disease and accelerating the discovery of new tools to diagnose and treat it, such that the great divide previously separating medical communities is now being bridged. Drawing on both extensive clinical experience and cutting-edge research, Fallon, Sotsky, and their colleagues present these paradigm-shifting breakthroughs in language accessible to both sides. They clearly explain the immunologic, infectious, and neurologic basis of chronic symptoms, the cognitive and psychological impact of the disease, as well as current and emerging diagnostic tests, treatments, and prevention strategies. Written for the educated patient and health care provider seeking to learn more, Conquering Lyme Disease gives an up-to-the-minute overview of the science that is transforming the way we address this complex illness. It argues forcefully that the expanding plague of Lyme and other tick-borne diseases can be confronted successfully and may soon even be reversed.

Review Quotes

A sturdy reference on an illness whose varied presentations can bedevil patients and caregivers alike.-- "Publishers Weekly"

A timely new book.-- "CMRubinWorld"

By presenting an accessible, measured examination of the disease and synthesizing current research, the authors offer readers a great service...Highly recommended.-- "Choice"

Fallon and colleagues have produced a valuable book combining humanistic Forster-type narratives and scientific Fisher-like elements to examine the human condition of chronic illness while describing current research in the complexities of Lyme disease.--Paul Auwaerter "The Lancet Infectious Diseases"

Highly suggested to everyone.--Anna Maria Polidori "Articles and more..."

In Conquering Lyme Disease, colleagues and coauthors Fallon and Sotsky push readers to grapple with some underlying scientific principles. Readers will have a better sense of where the research is today, where treatment falls short, and what the future may hold.-- "Library Journal"

What is science's role in turning the corner on what some have labelled a 'public health failure'? Physicians Brian Fallon and Jennifer Sotsky tackle this question in their insightful study Conquering Lyme Disease, in which they journey beyond the history, biology and symptoms of the illness. Their greatest accomplishment, by far, is delivering multiple viewpoints with minimal bias and great sensitivity: the clinician's, the researcher's and, particularly, the patient's.--James G. Logan "Nature"

An enlightening, informative, and up-to-date account of the key issues surrounding the complexity, controversy, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of Lyme borreliosis, especially the persistent form of the disease. Written by an outstanding and well-respected physician with tremendous experience, Conquering Lyme Disease will help to bridge the great divide and offer new hope in our fight against this debilitating disease. A must read for all interested in Lyme and associated diseases.--Ying Zhang, MD, Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health

Conquering Lyme Disease is a balanced and factual synthesis of what is known and unknown about Lyme disease. Written in a clear and understandable way for a lay audience as well as medical professionals, it is a rich source of information on this complex subject, explaining the science behind current treatments and future directions for research.--Stephen W. Barthold, University of California, Davis

A lucid and important book, filled with moving case histories and vignettes, about an infectious illness that is threatening many lives.--Siddhartha Mukherjee, author of The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer and The Gene: An Intimate History

Lyme disease is a more complicated and nuanced illness than has been previously recognized. Fallon and Sotsky's experience with the neuropsychological manifestations of Lyme, combined with their insights into the current patient experience, make this book a significant addition to the literature. A well-organized, comprehensive treatment of Lyme disease and the associated issues that patients face.--John Aucott, director, Johns Hopkins Lyme Disease Clinical Research Center

About the Author

Brian A. Fallon, MD, is director of the Lyme and Tick-Borne Diseases Research Center at the Columbia University Medical Center.

Jennifer Sotsky, MD, is a physician with a specialty in narrative medicine. She is a resident at Columbia University Medical Center.