What We Do

What is CPAE?

Learn more about Children Pediatric Autoimmune Encephalopathy and
how it’s affecting children and their families. 

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Definition

Children’s Postinfectious Autoimmune Encephalopathy (CPAE) occurs when a child’s autoimmune response to an infection or virus erringly attacks the brain.  The resulting inflammation presents an abrupt onset of acute neurological, behavioral and personality changes.

Some symptoms of CPAE (e.g. PANS/PANDAS):

  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

  • Restrictive Eating

  • Tics

  • Severe Anxiety

  • Migraines

  • Irritability and Aggression

  • Depression

  • Age Regression

  • Sensory Sensitivities

  • Hallucinations

Reasearch Initiatives

Part of our core initiatives are to fund and expand research for
treatment and diagnosis. PACE supports the following research:

  • hospital

    IVIG Studies

    IVIG Trial Update

  • Grants

    The PACE Foundation has facilitated approximately $7 million of funding towards CPAE disorder research and support 

  • PANS Incidence Study

    Dr. Ellen Wald’s 2023 PANS Incidence Report

  • Microbiome and the Effect on PANS

    Collaborative study currently being conducted by The University of Arizona and Dartmouth

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Diagnosis and Treatment

Physicians should contact the regional CPAE/PANS clinics for current diagnostic and treatment guidelines.

Clinic Locations