Lucy McDonald here,

This conversation was mind-blowing for me. I have long known of the rheumatologist Jennifer Frankovich's work, but in this chat, she taught me so much about PANS. Well specifally PANDAS. She treats children with sudden onset in The Bay Area of California, and her team of experts are so in demand they only take one in ten referrals. They have ultrasound experts trained to look specifically for inflammation, and Jennifer is passionate about uncovering what is causing the inflammation, so that can be treated and recovery possible. It is cutting-edge work, and she is collating information on patients so there will be a body of research.

We briefly talk about the potential connection between PANS/PANDAS and IVF. She also wonders why doctors no longer screen for Strep when its link to inflammation and mood is long documented.

She also shares symptoms parents can either look out for, or alert doctors to, which suggest underlying inflammation. These include a rash, unexplained aches, and delayed reflexes. She will come back to PANS/PANDAS Stories later in the year, with a guide to help parents advocate for treatment.