U Arkansas Opens Center of Excellence for PANDAS/PANS Children
See it hereWhen a sudden, unexplainable change occurs in your child’s health, an accurate diagnosis and treatment can make all the difference. This is especially true in the case of autoimmune disorders known as PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) or a subset of PANS that is associated with strep infection known as PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcal Infections).
INFLAMMATORY BRAIN DISORDERS VIRTUAL CONFERENCE – May 13-14, 2021
See it hereFully accredited CME with stellar speakers covering a range of topics including PANDAS/PANS, COVID, and AUTISM.
Strawberry Tongue as Sign of Strep – New England Journal of Medicine
See it hereA 5-year-old girl presented to the pediatric clinic with a 3-day history of fever, sore throat, and pain with swallowing. She had no associated cough, rhinorrhea, or hoarseness. The temperature was 40°C. On examination, she appeared to be ill, with dry mucous membranes and tender anterior cervical lymphadenopathy. She had fissured lips and a red tongue with enlarged papillae, an appearance referred to as a strawberry tongue. The tonsils were enlarged and edematous with exudates. She had no rash, conjunctival congestion, oral ulcers, or splenomegaly. Laboratory studies showed a total leukocyte count of 14,400 cells with 73.0% neutrophils, 19.0% lymphocytes, and 0.9% atypical lymphocytes. The throat culture was positive for group A streptococcus, and a diagnosis of streptococcal pharyngitis was made. A strawberry tongue can also be present in other conditions, including Kawasaki’s disease. She received treatment with oral amoxicillin for 10 days and had a complete recovery. She had no recurrence of symptoms at follow-up 3 and 6 months later.
Little British Boy “Possessed” Had PANDAS – Steph’s Packed Lunch
See it here18-month-old Jack changed overnight from a happy toddler into an anxious, depressed little boy who flew into such rages his dad Neil described him as ‘possessed.’
After a bout of tonsillitis, Jack stopped speaking, refused to eat and developed tics and such severe OCD and anxiety that he refused to get dressed or leave the house. He attacked his parents and even self-harmed by biting his arm so badly that he had to be taken to A&E. Doctors suggested Tourette’s and then autism.
Brain Inflamed – Kenneth Bock, M.D.
See it hereFrom renowned integrative physician Kenneth Bock, M.D., comes a groundbreaking approach to understanding adolescent and teen mental health disorders, addressing the potential medical/biological conditions that may cause psychological symptoms in adolescents and teens. The particular focus in on underlying systemic/brain inflammation.
The information and stories in the book are intended to be helpful in addressing children’s mental health needs.
Eight Year Old Girl Shares Her Experience with PANDAS – Spectrum News 1
See it hereClara McCloskey, eight years old, is sharing her experience with PANDAS in hopes to shine some light for other families going through a similar situation.
Massachusetts Senate Passes Bill to Require Insurance Coverage for Children with PANS/PANDAS – HCAM TV
See it hereOn October 29, the Massachusetts Senate passed legislation that would mandate insurance coverage for children with pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndromes (PANS) and pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infections (PANDAS). The bill, An Act relative to insurance coverage for PANDAS/PANS, would ensure that children with PANS or PANDAS receive optimal care by helping patients and their families access specialized diagnostic tests and effective treatments.
When the Misdiagnosis is Child Abuse – The Atlantic
See it hereSome pediatricians are trained to determine whether kids’ injuries are accidental. Their assessments can be subjective—but they’re often accepted as fact. And when they’re wrong, parents can needlessly end up in jail.
Understanding PANDAS with Madeleine Cunningham PhD – WCIA.com
See it hereMadeleine Cunningham PhD is one of the foremost researchers in the country. She explains that PANS and PANDAS are infection-induced autoimmune conditions that disrupt a patient’s normal neurologic functioning, resulting in a sudden onset of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and/or motor tics.
PANS and PANDAS can include a variety of other symptoms such as anorexia (food restrictions), anxiety, irritability, hyperactivity, sleep disturbances, mood swings and urinary problems.
International PANS Registry – pansregistry.org
See it hereThe Pediatric Research & Advocacy Initiative has announced establishment of an international database of PANS patients to assist researchers and hasten development of treatments.
