PANS/PANDAS/Lyme & Ticks

As a parent of two neurodivergent kids myself and one child with PANS, witnessing your child struggle with Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) or Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) can be incredibly distressing.  These conditions are characterized by sudden-onset obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), tics, anxiety, and other neuropsychiatric symptoms following a streptococcal infection, tick-borne infection or other

I have a PANS/PANDAS child and as a parent watching your child struggle with this disease, saying that you feel overwhelmed each day is an understatement. My son and I went through a labyrinth of symptoms that ranged from sudden obsessions and compulsions to mood swings and debilitating anxiety.  With all my expertise in mental health, these symptoms have left

If you have a child with PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome), then you can call yourself a warrior facing this battle affecting your whole family. But amidst the challenges, there are treatments that can help.  Plasmapheresis treatment is used when tick-borne illness is part of the PANS puzzle.  What is Plasmapheresis? Plasmapheresis, often called plasma exchange or plex therapy, is

For some parents, the use of antibiotics might seem daunting, especially when it comes to treating conditions like Lyme disease, strep throat, and PANS/PANDAS. Over the years, I’ve witnessed the challenges parents face when their little ones battle these conditions. Allow me to help clarify how antibiotics fit into the Lyme treatment puzzle.  Differentiating Lyme Disease, Strep, and PANS/PANDAS One

If you’ve been battling Lyme disease—or watching your child struggle with it—you’ve probably come across countless treatments, each promising relief. One treatment that’s gaining attention in the Lyme community is dapsone, a medication originally used for leprosy and certain skin conditions. So, why are doctors turning to this unlikely option for Lyme? What is Lyme? Lyme disease, caused by the

PANDS/PANDAS is a topic close to my heart as my family has gone through its challenges ourselves. But here’s one thing every parent should know for their child’s health and well-being: mold toxicity is connected to PANS/PANDAS symptoms.  You’ve probably heard about mold and its pesky presence in homes and how it causes all sorts of trouble. But did you

In the wake of the global CoViD-19 pandemic, many parents have become increasingly concerned about the lingering effects of COVID-19 on their children’s health. Some suspect the virus has worsened or triggered PANDAS/PANS  after Covid, a complex neurological disorder characterized by sudden-onset symptoms such as obsessive-compulsive behaviors and anxiety. At the same time, families are grappling with The Long Haulers

Tics are irregular, non-voluntary, repetitive muscle movements in different body parts. Movements such as eye-rolling, head jerking, and shoulder shrugging are called motor tics. Involuntary repetitive sounds, including grunting, sniffing, or throat clearing, are known as vocal tics. Tics are typically classified as either motor or vocal tics. There are common examples of tics: Motor Tics Eye rolling Head jerking