ASPIRE Blog

Imagine a child suffering from seizures, only to discover years later that the cause might be tied to a cat scratch and an insect bite. A groundbreaking case study from North Carolina State University (NCSU) has revealed a connection between Bartonella and Babesia infections and complex neurological disorders, challenging how we approach diagnosis and treatment of such conditions.

Students with PANS/PANDAS have complex cognitive, behavioral, physical & neurological symptoms that affect their school performance. The school’s multidisciplinary team benefits from an awareness of PANS PANDAS, the resulting impact on school performance, and the recommended support.

Breitschwerdt EB, Maggi RG, Robveille C, Kingston E. Bartonella henselae, Babesia odocoilei and Babesia divergens-like MO-1 infection in the brain of a child with seizures, mycotoxin exposure and suspected Rasmussen’s […]

  Living with a sibling affected by PANS profoundly impacts well-being—fear of outbursts, limited social opportunities, and the isolation of not having the words or knowledge to explain the condition. […]

Frankovich J, Calaprice D, Ma M, Knight O, Miles K, Manko C, Hernandez JD, Sandberg J, Farhadian B, Xie Y, Silverman M, Madan J, Strand V, Chang K, Thienemann M. […]

Supporting Students with PANS, PANDAS, and Basal Ganglia Encephalitis: Children with PANS, PANDAS, and basal ganglia encephalitis often require specific school accommodations to support their success. These conditions can cause abrupt changes in cognitive, sensory, and motor function, making it essential to provide flexible and individualized support.

Needle fear is real, and you’re not alone. Whether it’s a quick blood draw or a longer infusion, anxiety can make the experience stressful. For those with PANS/PANDAS, it may […]

The bill is going to be a huge step forward, but Emily‘s mom April says it’s not a cure the bill does not mandate insurance coverage for the most common and effective treatment.

Fekete, R., Simats, A., Bíró, E., Pósfai, B., Cserép, C., Schwarcz, A., Szabadits, E., Környei, Z., Tóth, K., Fichó, E., Szalma, J., Vida, S., Kellermayer, A., Dávid, C., Acsády, L., […]

WV needs your help asking legislators to support HB 2252: Requiring insurance coverage for treatment of pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders. 

Trigger Warning: Self-Harm & Suicide The following story discusses experiences with self-harm, suicidal thoughts, and psychiatric hospitalization. If you are sensitive to these topics, please proceed with care. If you […]

Wu, X., Hao, J., Jiang, K. et al. Neuroinflammation and pathways that contribute to tourette syndrome. Ital J Pediatr 51, 63 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13052-025-01874-3 Read a deeper dive: Neuroinflammation and Immune […]