Autoimmune Brain Panel™ for Autoimmune Disorders in Charleston, SC

The Autoimmune Brain Panel™, formerly known as the Cunningham Panel, is a diagnostic tool designed to evaluate the presence of specific antibodies that may be affecting neurological function. This test focuses on the immune system’s interaction with the brain, providing insights into whether certain neurological symptoms may be linked to autoimmune activity. By measuring the levels of these antibodies, specialists can better understand the relationship between immune dysregulation and changes in behavior, mood, or cognitive function.

At The Center for Occupational and Environmental Medicine (COEM), this test is used as part of a comprehensive approach to care. With decades of experience, the clinic has worked extensively with children and adults on the autism spectrum, as well as those experiencing unexplained neurological changes. The Autoimmune Brain Panel™ serves as one part of the evaluation process, helping providers identify patterns that may otherwise remain overlooked.

Patients who are suspect of or diagnosed with Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) and Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) also benefit from the Autoimmune Brain Panel™, which can help to measure antibodies that affect the brain and stimulate CaM kinase II enzymes. Elevated levels of antibodies and enzyme activity can indicate autoimmune processes which are triggered by infections known to cause PANS and PANDAS.

Some of the many benefits of the Autoimmune Brain Panel™ include its ability to provide measurable data, helping families and providers gain more direction when navigating complex conditions. This test offers valuable insights that can guide treatment decisions. When combined with therapies such as ABA therapy, occupational therapy, and communication support like the Spellers Method for non-verbal individuals, the results can play a significant role in shaping effective care plans.

The Autoimmune Brain Panel™ is used to evaluate conditions where the immune system appears to interfere with neurological health. These conditions may include autoimmune-related movement disorders, behavioral changes, and neuropsychiatric conditions in both children and adults. For individuals on the autism spectrum, the test can help clarify whether immune dysfunction is contributing to symptoms that overlap with developmental differences.

Providers at COEM use this panel to look for markers that may explain sudden changes in mood, cognition, or motor skills that do not align with typical developmental progress. In some cases, patients who have struggled with symptoms connected to mold, moisture, or biotoxin exposure may also benefit from this testing, particularly under the guidance of specialists like Board-Certified Dr. William J. Weirs, M.D., who has extensive experience in this area. By connecting immune activity with neurological changes, the Autoimmune Brain Panel™ enhances the ability to identify underlying contributors to these complex health concerns.

Children and adults who display unexplained neurological or behavioral symptoms may benefit from the Autoimmune Brain Panel™. At COEM, specialists frequently work with families whose children are on the autism spectrum, including non-verbal individuals who communicate through alternative methods. By using this test, providers can uncover whether autoimmune activity is contributing to difficulties in areas such as focus, emotional regulation, or motor control. Adults may also benefit, especially those who have experienced sudden changes in behavior or cognitive function without a clear explanation. Individuals who have been exposed to environmental toxins such as mold and biotoxins may experience autoimmune responses that impact the brain, and testing can provide important insight into these connections.

Because COEM integrates a variety of therapies and collaborates with specialists in occupational therapy, behavioral therapy, and other modalities, the results of this panel can become a valuable piece of the care plan. Families do not need to wait until symptoms reach a crisis point, as the test can be part of proactive care that helps prevent further complications and guides more effective intervention strategies.

The Autoimmune Brain Panel™ provides a high level of specificity by measuring targeted antibodies linked to autoimmune-related brain dysfunction. This panel was developed to improve diagnostic accuracy in complex cases where standard testing may not offer sufficient answers. The results offer a clearer picture of how the immune system may be affecting neurological function, enabling providers to make more informed decisions about treatment. At COEM, the expertise of specialists like Board Certified Dr. Stephen P. Elliott, MD, a MedMAPS-certified physician, and the only Fellow in the state, ensures that the interpretation of results is combined with detailed patient history and other assessments. This careful integration allows for more reliable use of the test to guide individualized care.

The accuracy of the panel is further enhanced when paired with the clinic’s collaborative approach, which includes coordination with other therapists and providers involved in the patient’s care. By considering the results within the broader context of environmental factors, developmental history, and current therapies, the panel becomes a valuable tool that supports precise and effective care planning.

The Autoimmune Brain Panel™ is vital because it provides information in situations where symptoms may otherwise remain unexplained. For families who have struggled with sudden changes in a child’s behavior or adults who are experiencing cognitive or emotional shifts without a clear cause, this test brings measurable insight into the potential role of autoimmunity. By making connections that are not always visible through observation alone, the test empowers providers to better support their patients. For individuals on the autism spectrum, this panel may indicate how immune activity interacts with developmental differences, offering new directions for therapy and support. At COEM, the ability to integrate test results with therapies such as ABA therapy, occupational therapy, or the Spellers Method helps create a more complete care plan. This type of information can be especially meaningful for non-verbal individuals who face unique challenges in communicating their symptoms. By incorporating the Autoimmune Brain Panel™ into this process, patients gain access to a resource that can make their path toward effective treatment clearer and more personalized.

The Autoimmune Brain Panel™ is available at The Center for Occupational and Environmental Medicine (COEM). For more information, contact us today or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 7510 North Forest Drive North Charleston, SC 29420. We serve patients from Charleston SC, Mount Pleasant SC, Summerville SC, North Charleston SC, Goose Creek SC, Ladson SC, Hanahan SC, James Island SC, John’s Island SC, Daniel Island SC, West Ashley SC, Moncks Corner SC, Sullivans Island SC, Folly Beach SC, Isle of Palms SC and all of South Carolina, Nationally, and Internationally. Patients routinely fly into Charleston to be evaluated by COEM and to enjoy this beautiful city, which is a Condé Nast and Travel and Leisure Top Domestic and International Tourist Destination.