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Some Facts About
NIDS
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| Definition: |
Neuro-immune
dysfunction syndromes (NIDS) are a classification for illnesses
or disorders related to problems with the complex interactions
between the central nervous system and the immune system. |
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Number
of children affected:
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3 million+
children, specifically:
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Likely large majority of the more than 500,000+ diagnosed with
autism. Autism has increased from 1 in 10,000 to 1 in 250.*
->
Many of the 2 million children or 1 in every 20 people diagnosed
with attention deficit disorder (ADD) or attention deficit/hyperactivity
disorder (AD/HD).**
->
Many of the 500,000+ diagnosed with chronic fatigue
syndrome.**
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Diseases
that are likely NIDS:
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Diseases
that were originally diagnosed as autism, ADD, AD/HD, pervasive
developmental disorder (PDD), chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS)
and other related disorders.
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Causes
of NIDS:
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NIDS
sufferers are most likely to have a genetic pre-disposition
for immune system dysregulation. This "pre-disposed"
system can be triggered by intrauterine prenatal or neonatal
stress, or by viruses, illnesses or by a combination of other
stressors and trauma. Overuse of antibiotics and immunizations
are not believed to be causes, but may add further stress and
play a role as triggers.
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NIDS
premise:
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When the
immune system is dysregulated/ dysfunctional, the body can reduce
blood flow to the brain, particularly to vital areas of the
temporal lobes. When this decreased blood flow disrupts neurological
function and development in the critical early years of life,
this can cause observable "autistic" symptoms. Areas
of the brain affected are those directly related to social skills,
auditory processing and language.
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Symptoms:
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Patients
will generally have a combination of cognitive impairment, fatigue,
fine and gross motor abnormalities, headaches, inability to
concentrate, inappropriate behaviors, irritability, lack of
focus, language delays, "low grade" fevers, bowel
disturbances, chronic congestion or recurrent ear infections,
multiple chemical and food sensitivities, multiple rashes, obsessive
compulsive disorders, photo-sensitivity, poor socialization
skills, poor eye-contact or poor muscle tone.
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Diagnosis:
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Blood
work and NeuroSpect analyses can be used to diagnose NIDS. NeuroSpect
brain imaging is a scan that measures blood flow to the brain
and provides a very accurate diagnostic tool, showing areas
of lower perfusion in the temporal lobes corresponding to decreased
function, specifically areas of auditory processing, speech,
social skills, etc.
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Treatment:
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Many
of the children with NIDS can be clinically treated using currently
approved agents and diet modification.
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Most
promising treatment:
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If used
properly, new agents called immune modulators, currently in
the developmental pipeline, can potentially restore immune systems
to normalcy and reduce dependence on other combinations of medicines.
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Clinical
trials:
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Immune modulators
are NOT currently slated for medical research in children, especially
in relation to NIDS conditions, which are still being thought
of as developmental delays or disorders. The Neuro-Immune Dysfunction
Syndromes Research Institute is ready to begin trials as soon
as funding is obtained.
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| More
information: |
www.nids.net
or www.neuroimmunedr.com |
