PANS & PANDAS
Understanding PANS and PANDAS:
Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders
PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) and PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections) are two conditions that involve sudden and severe neuropsychiatric symptoms in children. These syndromes are thought to be triggered by an abnormal immune response, where the body mistakenly attacks the brain, particularly after an infection. While PANS is broader and can be triggered by various infections or environmental factors, PANDAS is specifically linked to streptococcal infections.
What is PANS?
PANS refer to a collection of symptoms that arise abruptly in children, adolescents,(and sometimes adults) following an infection or environmental trigger that causes an immune response where antibodies mistakenly attack brain cells, particularly in areas of the brain that influence mood, behavior, and motor skills.
Infectious and environmental offenders known to trigger PANS are viruses, bacterial infections (like tick-borne illness), mycoplasma pneumoniae, and mold.
Symptoms of PANS & PANDAS
Both PANS and PANDAS share a hallmark feature: the sudden onset of neuropsychiatric symptoms. A child who was previously healthy and developmentally on track can exhibit alarming behavioral changes seemingly overnight. Some common symptoms include:
SEVER ANXIETY
Intense fears, separation anxiety, or general anxiety that disrupts daily activities.TICS
Involuntary motor or vocal tics, such as blinking, facial grimacing, throat clearing or vocal outbursts.MOOD SWINGS
Sudden irritability, emotional lability, or aggression that is disproportionate to the situation.DECLINE IN SCHOOL PERFORMANCE
Cognitive issues like difficulties with attention, memory, or handwriting. We often see a decline in the subject of math.
What is PANDAS?
PANDAS is a subset of PANS, specifically associated with a recent streptococcal infection.
SLEEP DISTURBANCES
Difficulty falling or staying asleep, or new onset of nightmares.URINARY ISSUES
New-onset bedwetting or frequent urination.SENSORY SENSITIVITIES
Heightened sensitivity to sound, light, textures, or other sensory input.EATING RESTRICTIONS
Fear of eating, choking, certain textures and tastes or swallowing that cause the child to limit the foods they will eat to only 5 select foods. This may lead to significant weight loss.