It's All Because His Parents Didn't Give Him Penicillin Fast Enough

What is it in Kid Various' heart that calls him to collect his mighty Skeleton Legion?



That's right. Strep.

Read all 'bout it here.

There are researchers who believe that some of this disturbing cacophony -- specifically a subset found only in children -- is caused by something familiar and common. They call it Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated With Streptococcal Infection, or, because every disease needs an acronym, Pandas. And they are certain it is brought on by strep throat -- or more specifically, by the antibodies created to fight strep throat.

If they are right, it is a compelling breakthrough, a map of the link between bacteria and at least one subcategory of mental illness. And if bacteria can cause O.C.D., then an antibiotic might mitigate or prevent it -- a Promised Land of a concept to parents who have watched their children change overnight from exuberant, confident and familiar to doubt-ridden, fear-laden strangers.

Shouldn't that be PANDASI?

Interestingly, neurologists are rapidly coming to the conclusion that OCD and Parkinson's disease are different manifestations of the same illness.

The Kid's grandfather died of Parkinson's. He knows he's going to get it. He knows it.