Did you know strep can cause more problems for a child than just a sore throat? My grandson recently started displaying symptoms of Tourettes Syndrome. This normal little nine year old with an outgoing infectious personality because someone we did not recognize. He had verbal outbursts, piercing yelps, tremors, and head jerking to the point where he could not go to school. He was scared and confused by his body and mind doing things that he did not want it to do. When I was told that it might be Tourettes, I simply would not accept it. There had to be more to it. I spent my days and nights on the internet searching everything I could about Tourettes. Then I typed in "symptoms mimicing Tourettes" and there was an article about P.A.N.D.A.S. - Pediatric Autoimmune Neurophysiciatric Disorder Associated with Strep. We didn't even know that my grandson had had strep. The Neurologist said it was Tourettes and my daughter was wasting time and money on any tests. But when the Pediatrician ordered a blood test it showed his strep level was off the charts. Immediately, he began taking omnicef (an antibiotic). Within days he was almost symptom free. He was able to go back to school after missing a month. He was no longer lithargic, no outbursts, just a few tremors. It appears he may have PANDAS. He still has more blood work to be done and may be on antibiotics for a while and he may have the symptoms return if he gets an infection. But at least for now he is doing better.
How many children are out there exhibiting these symptoms only to be told it is OCD, Tourettes, or some other disease. If you have a child or know of a child that might be displaying the symptoms listed on the attached card, please ask your doctor to order a simple blood test. It may not be the answer for all but if it is for just one child it is so worth it.
