Autoimmune and Inflammatory Marker Testing


Blood tests for autoantibodies and inflammatory markers help identify autoimmune brain conditions like PANS/PANDAS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) or autoimmune encephalitis.

• Why it matters: These disorders can cause sudden OCD symptoms, tics, or personality changes.

• In children: Recognition is crucial because symptoms often mimic psychiatric illness but improve with immune-based treatment.

• Statistic: PANS/PANDAS may affect up to 1 in 200 children, though many go undiagnosed (National Institute of Mental Health, 2023).

• What families should know: Testing includes blood work for antibodies, inflammation levels, and sometimes imaging or lumbar puncture.


References:

National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). (2023). PANS and PANDAS in Children.

Journal of Neuroimmunology. (2024). Autoimmune Encephalitis in Pediatric Populations.