Introduction
Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) is associated with or initiated by streptococcal infections. Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) is a bigger subset which can include Lyme, Lyme co-infections, chemicals and other possible viruses such as Epstein Barr Virus (EBV), Herpes Simplex, Staph, and Mycoplasma. See the PANDAS Network for more information.
Both disorders are usually characterized by the sudden on-set of symptoms such as OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder), motor tics, abnormal eating behaviors (anorexia), anxiety, mood swings, aggression, cognitive deterioration, sensory and motor abnormalities, irritability and oppositional behaviors. Elevated antibodies and infections signal neuronal cells in the brain which trigger the above symptoms.
Many parents report that their child's sudden aggressive behaviors are unexplainable to medical physicians who are generally not familiar with these disorders. However, what is most important is to make the connection between the neurological behaviors and issues going on with the immune system. Antibodies can be elevated and testing for triggers is essential to determine how to down regulate the immune reactions in order to turn off the activated antibodies to reduce symptoms. Medical treatment protocols for PANDAS and PANS may include: Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG), antibiotics, plasmaphereisis or plasma exchange, steroids, Low Dose Naltrexone, Transfer Factor, or antivirals. The following medical conditions may also contribute to the sudden onset of the manic and psychotic behaviors: Kryptopyrroluria (Pyrrole Disorder), low cholesterol, low lithium levels, low vitamin B12, and low Vitamin D, low Ferritin, hypothyroid, and possible elevated testosterone and other androgens. Talk to your doctor about symptoms, testing, and treatment protocols for the above conditions to gain a better understanding of your child's particular case.
Related Sites
PANDAS, PANS, Penguins and Autism Description: One family’s story.
The PANDAS Network Description: Provides parents with the latest information on PANDAS and PANS including research and resources.
Books
Tools
Parent Forums/Blogs
Some forums require you to sign in to Yahoo or Facebook to locate forum names.
Forum/Blog Name: PANDAS/PANS/Lyme/Tick-Borne Diseases Description: Welcome to PANDAS/PANS/LYME/TICK-BORNE DISEASES, a safe place for parents to come for support & information for their children afflicted with PANDAS/PANS and/or Lyme & Tick-Borne Diseases.
Forum/Blog Name: PANDAS Parents Description: This group is open to all PANDAS/PANS parents, however, we differ from other PANDAS/PANS groups by narrowing the focus and limiting the discussion of posts to topics specifically related to traditional PANDAS (triggered by Strep).
Consumer Corner
Community Library
Obsessing Over Strep Throat in Kids: Research Links Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder to Common Childhood Illness Description: While scientists have speculated on a link between obsessive-compulsive disorder and childhood infections like strep for more than two decades, a psychology researcher in Israel has now scientifically demonstrated that strep can lead to brain dysfunction and OCD. The breakthrough could lead to new drugs for treating OCD, and may in the future prevent the psychiatric disorder altogether.
PANDAS to CANS: Evolution of a Controversial Disorder Description: Infectious diseases in children and little consensus exists on role of group A streptococcal infection in autoimmune/neurological phenomenon.