Today we’re going to take a close look at PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) and PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections). These two diagnoses aren’t as well known as some of the other diagnoses we’ve been talking about, but it’s important for us to talk about them because PANS and PANDAS can have devastating long-term effects on children. There is definite controversy around these topics – some doctors won’t even recognize them as real diagnoses! But, I believe we need to be having these conversations and working together as healthcare providers to figure out the best options for our patients. My goal today is to give you a basic overview and understanding of both PANS and PANDAS.

PANS and PANDAS are diagnosed when a child has a sudden onset of odd behaviors such as obsessive-compulsive behaviors, motor tics, or food restrictions that occur after an infection such as a streptococcal (strep) infection. Kids with PANS and PANDAS are very sick and in addition to the behaviors just mentioned, they will also struggle with a number of other problems that may include anxiety, depression, aggression, and developmental regression. PANS and PANDAS look different for every child but it is always an issue of immune dysregulation. Both PANS and PANDAS are caused by an infection that is not properly treated. In this episode I’ll explain what PANS and PANDAS are, how infections such as strep can attack our brains, and what we can do at Connect My Brain to help. If you’re a parent of a child who has been diagnosed with PANS and PANDAS, my wish is that this episode will give you hope.

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