Featuring: Dr. Nancy O’Hara and Gabriella True
Hosted by: Wendy Fournier
Dr. O’Hara – Demystifying PANS/PANDAS & More: A Functional Medicine Guide on Basal Ganglia Encephalitis
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 (especially Mycoplasma and Vector Borne Diseases (VBDs) such as Borrelia, Bartonella and Babesia as well as COVID, viruses, and more), toxic exposures, and metabolic abnormalities, like Mold, are among other potential triggers for the immune dysregulation resulting in an abnormal autoimmune reaction and negative behavior, physical, and cognitive changes. 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.
• The participant will be able to understand the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of PANS, PANDAS and Basal Ganglia Encephalitis including Borrelia, Bartonella & Babesia.
• The participant will be able to differentiate causes of anxiety, OCD and tics, as it relates to autoimmune encephalitis.
• The participant will be able to define the triad of treatments for PANS and PANDAS.
Gabriella True – Services and Advocacy Overview
Gabriella of ASPIRE will provide a brief overview of its programs supporting individuals and families impacted by PANS and PANDAS, including peer support, education, school advocacy, and provider outreach. She will also highlight efforts to improve awareness and expand access to appropriate care.
Nancy H. O’Hara, MD, MPH, FAAP
Dr. Nancy O’Hara is a board-certified Pediatrician. Prior to her medical career, Dr. O’Hara taught children with autism. She graduated with highest honors from Bryn Mawr College and as a member of the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society from the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. She earned a Master’s degree in Public Health from the University of Pittsburgh. She is a leader in the training of clinicians, both in the United States and abroad on integrative and holistic care of children with chronic illness and neurodevelopmental/neuropsychiatric disorders such as PANDAS/PANS, Tick-borne Diseases, Mold Mycotoxin illness and all Post-Infectious Syndromes. Dr. O’Hara has written a comprehensive guidebook, “Demystifying PANS / PANDAS: A Functional Medicine Desktop Reference on Basal Ganglia Encephalitis”, which is available on Amazon in e-book or soft-cover formats. Her audio book with 5 additional chapters on Mold, Bartonella, Babesia, COVID and FRAAs is available on Amazon, Audible, and Spotify. Additionally, Dr. O’Hara’s research on Folate Receptor Auto Antibodies and PANS/PANDAS was published in 2024. (https://doi.org/10.3390/jpm14020166). Together with Dr Jim Greenblatt, she is spearheading a CME-based, integrative Pediatric Fellowship for Psychiatry Redefined. Her podcast, Demystifying PANS/PANDAS is now available on all podcast platforms. Finally, for more information on all of this as well as her membership and mentoring programs, please visit www.drohara.com.
Gabriella True
Gabriella True is the President and a founding board member of ASPIRE (Alliance to Solve PANS & Immune-Related Encephalopathies), a national nonprofit focused on awareness, education, and support for individuals and families affected by PANS/PANDAS. Under her leadership, ASPIRE delivers programs and resources for patients, families, schools, healthcare providers, and policymakers, while advancing education, advocacy, and policy change.
With over a decade of experience in the PANS and autism communities, Gabriella has helped shape state and regional initiatives. She co-founded the Connecticut PANS PANDAS Partnership, served as President of the New England PANS/PANDAS Association from 2015 to 2018, and was a member of the PANDAS/PANS Advisory Council to the Connecticut Department of Health. She also volunteered for more than ten years with The Autism Community in Action. As a mother of two young adults with PANS and an adult patient herself, Gabriella brings both lived experience and professional leadership to her national advocacy work.