POTS and PANS: autoimmune encephalitis

Dec 2, 2019

POTS, PANS & PANDAS are complex autoimmune diseases that require a multi-system approach. PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Strep) involves antibodies from a strep infection reacting with brain tissue (specifically the basal ganglia in the brain) and triggering an abrupt onset of immune dysregulation and movement, learning and behavioral problems including OCD, anxiety and tics. With PANS (Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome), other infectious etiologies besides strep (yeast, viruses, other bacteria, parasites), toxic exposures, and metabolic abnormalities are among other potential triggers for the immune dysregulation resulting in an abnormal autoimmune reaction and negative behavior, physical, and cognitive changes.  POTS or Dysautonomia can often be associated with these autoimmune disorders and also needs to be assessed and treated appropriately. Dr. O’Hara will discuss the latest research in the assessment and treatment of these devastating but recoverable illnesses.  Participants will learn the research-based functional medicine approach to the care, diagnosis and treatment of these children.

Are Hidden Infections Causing your Autoimmune Disease?

Dec 2, 2019

Are Hidden Infections causing your Autoimmune Disease?

Viruses, bacteria and other parasites can remain active but undetected for decades and only recently has science been able to identify possible triggers for the disease.
This presentation discusses EBV, Lyme, Co-infections, Dysbiosis and even post infection syndromes that can lead to diagnoses like chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia.  Autoimmune diseases such as MS, Parkinson’s and Thyroiditis and the connection to chronic viral and bacterial infections will be reviewed.

The Cortisol Awakening Response and Thymocyte Selection: an unlikely duo in reducing autoimmunity

Dec 2, 2019

The cortisol awakening response (CAR) naturally occurs first thing in the morning upon waking regardless of the fight/flight system. It has a huge impact on autoimmunity and those thymocytes that fail central tolerance potentially leading to an increase in circulating autoimmune T-cells if the CAR is not appropriate. Thankfully, the CAR is easily influenced by our naturopathic therapeutic order! This presentation focuses on the details of the CAR, how it impacts autoimmunity and what practitioners can immediately begin implementing on Monday morning with their patients to improve outcomes.