The Hidden Cause of Brain Inflammation Doctors Miss | Dr. Pejman Katiraei

Brain inflammation may influence behavior, sensory processing, sleep, mood, and cognition in ways many families never realize. In this episode of The Dr. Brighten Show, Dr. Jolene Brighten and Dr. Pejman Katiraei explore the connections between the immune system, gut health, environmental exposures, ADHD, autism, PANS/PANDAS, and neuroinflammation; view the complete show notes at https://drbrighten.com/podcasts/brain-inflammation-and-behavior/

Neurodivergence Is Not the Problem

This episode does not suggest that autism or ADHD should be erased, “fixed,” or reduced to inflammation.

Instead, the conversation explores an important distinction:

A person’s neurodivergent wiring may be an intrinsic part of who they are.

Pain, severe anxiety, sleep disruption, gut dysfunction, overwhelming sensory sensitivity, aggression, or sudden regression may represent additional challenges affecting that person’s quality of life.

Understanding that distinction can help families support the whole person without treating their identity as a disease.

Signs That May Deserve a Closer Look

These symptoms do not confirm a diagnosis, but clusters of symptoms may warrant a more comprehensive conversation with a qualified healthcare professional:

Sudden or dramatic changes in behavior

New fears, phobias, compulsions, or repetitive thoughts

Severe sensory sensitivity to sound, touch, clothing, food, or water