This day-long symposium will focus on understanding Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal infections (PANDAS) and Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS). These disorders involve sudden-onset neuropsychiatric symptoms such as obsessions and compulsions, self-restricted food intake, separation anxiety, motor and/or vocal tics, emotional lability, personality changes, aggression and rage.

With PANDAS, symptoms surface after exposure to Group A Streptococcus; in the case of PANS, acute symptoms can present with or without a specifically identified trigger (e.g., following an infection such as mycoplasma pneumonia, flu, Lyme disease or a metabolic disorder). These disorders typically present before puberty, but also may surface for the first time in adolescence and young adulthood. The latest information about etiology, diagnosis, and treatment will be presented by some of the nation’s top practitioners and researchers in this relatively new field.

With the recent passage of NH Senate Bill 224, which requires insurance companies to provide coverage for treatment of “pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders,” it is especially important for practitioners in NH and surrounding areas to learn more about these devastating and sometimes deadly disorders.

This symposium is organized by The Alex Manfull Memorial Fund Supporting Research, Education, and Treatment of PANDAS in Adolescents and Young Adults which Susan and William Manfull established after their 26-year old daughter lost her life to PANDAS. The Manfulls established the fund with the goal that no life ever again be cut short by PANDAS.

We are grateful to all those who have contributed to this fund.  The event is made possible through a generous gift from the Minerva Foundation. A special thank you to PANDAS Network for their support and assistance.

https://www.eventcreate.com/e/alex-manfull-memorial-fund