See the child's behaviors in a whole new light. Demystifying PANS/PANDAS is a unique and long overdue resource in the field of pediatric neurobehavioral health, providing a comprehensive overview of the "three-pronged approach" to assessment and care, conventional and naturopathic interventions, a trove of case studies, and plenty of clinical pearls along the way. Even more importantly, this book provides a roadmap for practitioners and families feeling confused and isolated by this condition, empowering them to make better decisions and sparking a greater conversation about this devastating illness. Time and time again, I heard: "I walked into the next exam room to greet a family I had known for years, an 11-year-old boy who was bright, funny, articulate, and confident, now huddled in the corner of the room, trying to resist rocking his neck in what seemed like a mini choreic movement. He and his parents looked terrified, and I was horrified. "What happened?" I asked. The parents said two days ago he had awoken like this and for the first time he had wet the bed and his covers were everywhere. I asked all the usual questions; Any signs of abuse, any antecedents of depression, any drugs or medications? All no's and his exam, except for the movements and "the deer in the headlights look," was normal. What was this? What didn't I see? What could we do? As a practitioner for 25 years, I was stumped. Could this be that PANDAS thing about which I had vaguely heard? Where could I get answers?"
-Dr O' Hara's MD Mentee "My daughter had recurrent sore throats as a young child, but nothing I ever felt was too concerning. After a significant strep infection in middle school, she was instantly a changed person. One day, she's an honor student and star player on a club soccer team, and the next, she's begging us to sleep in our bed, as she's frightened to be alone at night. Her brain function deteriorated abruptly, and she mentally, socially, and physically regressed to her elementary school years."
-PANDAS Parent "After traveling home from vacation, my son contracted a virus. A few days later, his behavior became obsessive and aggressive, a far cry from the carefree and fun-loving boy I knew. He constantly needed to wash his hands and had a vocal tic that sounded like incessant clicking. It's as if it happened overnight. It seemed like a bomb went off in his brain, not knowing what to do or who to turn to. I was scared."
-PANS Parent Does any of this sou