What are PANS and PANDAS Conditions?
PANS and PANDAS are infection-induced autoimmune conditions that disrupt a patient’s normal neurologic functioning, resulting in a sudden onset of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and/or motor tics. PANS and PANDAS can include a variety of other symptoms, such as anorexia (food restrictions), anxiety, irritability, hyperactivity, sleep disturbances, mood swings, and urinary problems. PANDAS is an acronym for Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcal infection. It is an autoimmune condition initially triggered by strep infections, which disrupts a child’s normal neurologic activity. PANS is an acronym for Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome, which is associated with a variety of different infections, whereas PANDAS is a disorder associated with only streptococcal infections—specifically group A strep. Although the etiology for PANS is different from PANDAS, the symptom presentation is nearly identical. The Difference Between PANS and PANDAS PANDAS is when specifically strep is connected to the sudden onset of OCD and/or tics along with other listed clinical symptoms. PANS removes the emphasis on the etiologic factor and concentrates on the clinical symptoms. PANS can be triggered by any infectious agent (NOT only strep) in addition to non-infectious triggers which are yet to fully determined, but may include metabolic disorders and environmental factors. Symptoms cannot be explained by any other neurological or medical disorder. Children with PANS and PANDAS Are Often Misdiagnosed All too often, children with PANS and PANDAS are misdiagnosed as having a psychiatric illness and may be treated solely with psychotropic drugs to manage their symptoms. Unfortunately, for PANS and PANDAS patients this does not address the root cause of the symptoms, which is an infection- triggered autoimmune condition. Studies have shown that when given appropriate anti-infective and/or immunological treatment, PANS and PANDAS patients experience symptom resolution, or their symptoms are dramatically reduced. Obtaining a correct diagnosis can be challenging, because PANS and PANDAS symptoms can mimic other illnesses. What Should I Do If I Think My Child Has PANS or PANDAS? Parents whose child has a dramatic onset of OCD, suddenly restricts their food intake, exhibits tics, and/or is also experiencing sudden severe neuropsychiatric conditions – anxiety, irritability, uncontrolled emotions, and/or depression – should have their pediatrician refer their child to our clinic for an urgent visit, and test their child for both a throat strep culture and a peri-anal rapid strep test. If the rapid strep is negative, ask for a strep culture. If any of these tests are positive, the child needs to
be put on antibiotics for strep. If strep is negative, the child should have blood tests for strep. If the child has had or been exposed to an illness with prolonged coughing, then your pediatrician may consider testing for a bacteria called mycoplasma. What is the Prognosis for a Child with PANS/PANDAS? For children who are diagnosed early and a cause has been identified, the prognosis can be very good. Some patients respond quickly and are back to 100 percent normal function, but that doesn’t happen for everybody. For those in whom the cause is unknown and who don’t respond as well to antibiotics, we continue to treat the children and work with their families to address their illnesses. Synergy Healthcare offers effective services for children suffering from neurologic conditions, like PANS and PANDAS. Our therapists are well experienced and trained in treating your child. We can also perform tests to determine if the brain is processing what your child is hearing. We offer age-appropriate tests for infants and children. From about 6 months of age and older, behavioral testing can be conducted. The testing process is safe, painless, and fast! Contact our office today to start treatment.
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