Doctors say repeated STREP infections can lead to serious brain disease in kids

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - Two years ago, Mt. Juliet mom Kristi Giacco noticed a sudden change in her young son, Lucca. The then 2nd grader developed extreme OCD, facial and physiological tics, as well as unfounded fears of being alone.

“As a mom, to watch your kid who is normal, to just change overnight, it’s hard,” Giacco said tearfully.

Lucca was initially diagnosed with ADHD and given an anti-depressant, but Kristi had a deep knowledge that Lucca’s diagnosis was wrong. Her intuition was spot-on, and Lucca was diagnosed last year with PANDAS, which is a neurological disorder seen in children who experienced multiple STREP infections.

“Lucca got STREP 15 times in four years,” Giacco said.

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‘My brain is making me do this’: Family fights for insurance coverage of brain disease caused by strep

Information on PANDAs is limited as researchers are only just beginning to look into the origination of the disease. It’s believed that brain inflammation occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy brain cells, which leads to an auto-immune response.

Fighting and reversing the disease isn’t Giacco’s only challenge. Coming up Wednesday at 6 p.m. on WSMV4, hear why Kristi’s insurance company continues to deny coverage of Lucca’s treatment.

Plus, learn Kristi’s bold move to change state policy so other families don’t have the same experience.