Pandas

[Spartan32]

Hey I am 19 now and had minor vocal tics for a few months when I was 6. I also had them again for various months from the ages of 10-12. They went away both times. I had strep throat when I was a kid and was prone to sore throats and had my tonsils removed. Anyway when I was 15, I got strep throat which made me sick for a whole week. I felt like I was going to die and the pain of the throat was horrible. I have seasonal allergies which I get every spring and it was april and I got them. Well at that time, I started my first motor tic (head jerking) which I still have to this day. It has been going on for about 4 years straight. I have had strep throat another time in the last 4 years. Both times just took routine pennacillin. Was wondering if my tics could indeed be caused by pandas? My dad and grandfather have no signs of tics nor my brother. I think my dad has OCD though. Anyway, if I sound like a canidate, I will go to my doctor and request tests. Thanks

[Chemar]

Spartan

based on the history of strep I would say it would be a very good idea to request testing.

 

Be sure to include a throat culture of group A B-hemolytic strep. Ask that the specimen be cultured, not just the rapid test.

MOST IMPORTANTLY do a blood test to assess elevated streptococcal antibodies (Anti-DNAse B and Antistreptolysin titers (ASO)).

 

The blood test is the one that will show if you have "stealth strep" in your system

 

There are a number of very specific antibodies recommended for treatment of PANDAS, and I know that some have had success with Keflex. But you will need to do a search here to see which of the antibiotics are recommended.

[Spartan32]

  Chemar said:

Spartan

based on the history of strep I would say it would be a very good idea to request testing.

 

Be sure to include a throat culture of group A B-hemolytic strep. Ask that the specimen be cultured, not just the rapid test.

MOST IMPORTANTLY do a blood test to assess elevated streptococcal antibodies (Anti-DNAse B and Antistreptolysin titers (ASO)).

 

The blood test is the one that will show if you have "stealth strep" in your system

 

There are a number of very specific antibodies recommended for treatment of PANDAS, and I know that some have had success with Keflex. But you will need to do a search here to see which of the antibiotics are recommended.

 

 

So even at age 19, this could be what is still causing my tics? I wasn't sure as I always thought it was an early childhood condition. Makes sense though that since I never treated it when I was younger, that it could still be around.

[Chemar]

Spartan

 

strep not only can cause tics in young children, but, if a tic disorder or TS are present, it can make things worse.

 

IMHO If you are a strep carrier, it could be acting as a background trigger for your tics

[laurie 39]

Chemar,. oh my God, you are a wealth of info.

 

you see, my son just began ticing Friday. I now have white blotches on my throat and I think we both have STREP!!! I've never been diagnosed with it, but I am requesting all of these tests at the doctor today. I have Tourette Syndrome as well. Please provide me any info you can. I'm very ill today and running a high fever, but this has SO given my husband and I hope. Also, what is a PANDA?

laurie39