America's North Shore Journal

PANDAS, is an abbreviation for Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections. According to the National Institute for Mental Health, there are five diagnostic criteria that must be met for this to be a valid diagnosis. Presence of Obsessive-compulsive disorder and/or a tic disorder Pediatric onset of symptoms (age 3 years to puberty) Episodic course of symptom severity Association with group A Beta-hemolytic streptococcal infection (a positive throat culture for strep. or history of Scarlet Fever.) Association with neurological … Read entire article »

The New York State Department of Health has released an interim report titled Investigation of Neurologic Symptoms among Le Roy Jr/Sr High School Students, October 2011 – January 2012. The report details the investigation of this illness outbreak to date and discusses the various diagnoses which have been talked about in the media. This report represents the clearest and most detailed public look at the medical, social and cultural demographics of the twelve young women involved. * 12 female patients ages 13 to 19 * Patient symptoms began at various times in the period May through October 2011. * All attend LeRoy Central Junior/Senior High School. 10 in grades 10-12, 1 ninth grader, 1 eighth grader. * Four cheerleaders, two soccer players. * 1 patient with a pre-existing diagnosis of Tourette Syndrome and 2 patients … Read entire article »