Hello, I am new to this forum. I am hoping to seek some advise being is my doctors think this isn't much to be concerned about. About a year ago my son started itching his legs, enough that it was difficult for him to take 5 steps without bending over. Now over the past 4 months he has been displaying some other behaviors such as, tapping his toes on the ground when he walks, squatting to pull on his socks, picking the skin on his thumbs, head movement and some facial movements of various kinds. He is also starting to become more vocal, clearing his throat, etc. I have an friend who suggested it may be lyme disease which my son was bitten by a tick almost 18 months ago. When I brought this up to my pediatrician she blew it off and said he didn't have fever or rash. She steered me away from a blood test. I have also been reading about Pandas. It is all over the internet and documented that alot of children are being misdiagnosed with tourettes and tics who actually have lyme disease. Does anyone have any information on this? Should I just keep pushing my way through doctors to have these blood tests done?

I'm so worried, and feel so helpless that I can't help my son.

Welcome, cmason ,

You didn't say how old your son was. If i were you I'd run, not walk, to another doctor who will take you and your son's care seriously. I don't know where you live or insurance information but I'd try to find out who specializes in lyme disease or infectious disease in your area.

Another source is this website:

http://tourettenowwhat.tripod.com/

The woman who runs it has a son with TS and also he had lyme. She is quite knowledgable about lyme.

I'm sorry that I don't have more specifics but keep looking and digging!!

Take care,
Tessa

Hi cmason

I would agree that a doctor who isnt taking the possibility of Lyme disease seriously, especially with knowledge of a tick bite, is not a doc I would want in charge of this.

we also have info on Lyme here http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/forumdisplay.php?f=91

PANDAS is related to strep infections, not Lyme, but the concept of PITANDS is tics etc induced by microbes like the one that causes Lyme

and yes, many kids are being misdx with TS when in fact there is another cause for their tics

I hope you find the answers you are seeking, as well as a doctor who will run the necessary tests.

all the best to you
Cheri