Banner Children's Specialists Postinfectious Autoimmune Encephalopathy Clinic

Please note: A referral from pediatrician or family practitioner required

Located on the campus of Cardon Children’s Medical Center in Mesa, the CPAE Clinic is a program of Banner Children’s Specialists. Here, pediatricians, pediatric neurologists and pediatric neuropsychologist collaborate with their Tucson-based clinical and research colleagues at Diamond Children’s Medical Center and the University of Arizona Steele Children’s Research Center.

Acute-onset neuropsychiatric disorders in children often go misdiagnosed or undiagnosed. The Children’s Postinfectious Autoimmune Encephalopathy (CPAE) Clinic gives pediatric patients the expert care they need when an infection-induced autoimmune reaction targets the brain. The resulting changes in neurologic function, mood and behavior require swift, specialized care.

Conditions that may lead to neurologic autoimmune reactions include:

• Group A beta hemolytic strep
• Other infectious triggers

Symptoms of CPAE include acute sudden onset of:

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Restrictive eating
• Separation anxiety
• Enuresis
• Tics (motor and phonic)
• Sensory sensitivities
• Irritability and aggression
• Decline in academic performance
• Changes in handwriting
• Difficulty with mathematics

Treatment for CPAE is tailored to the individual needs of each patient. Depending on the root cause and symptoms present, treatment may include:

• Cognitive behavior therapy
• Underlying infection treatment
• Immunomodulation
• Referral for appropriate psychiatric care

View/Print a fact sheet about this clinic

Patient Forms

• Coordination of Benefits Questionnaire (Spanish)
• Financial Agreement (Spanish)
• Health Information Exchange Opt In or Out Form (Spanish)
• Medical Treatment Agreement (Spanish)