PANS & PANDAS
What is PANS & PANDAS?
PANDAS stands for Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal infections.
It is a condition where a child’s immune system reacts abnormally after a Group A Strep infection (like strep throat or scarlet fever).
This reaction can mistakenly attack parts of the brain , mainly the basal ganglia , leading to sudden, severe changes in behavior, emotions, and motor function.
PANS stands for Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome.
It’s an umbrella term for sudden-onset OCD or severe eating restrictions, plus at least two other neuropsychiatric symptoms, triggered by any cause , not just strep.
So:
PANDAS = a subset of PANS triggered specifically by Group A strep.
PANS = same sudden dramatic symptoms, but can be triggered by other infections (like mycoplasma, Lyme, viruses), environmental factors, or metabolic/inflammatory causes.
Key Symptoms of PANS & PANDAS in School-Age Children
Symptoms typically appear abruptly, often overnight, and can be extremely distressing for the child and family.
Sudden onset of Obsessive-Compulsive Behaviors (OCD) or tics
Dramatic mood swings, aggression, or irritability
Severe separation anxiety or new fears/phobias
Sudden bedwetting or urinary frequency
Handwriting decline, fine motor skill problems
Hyperactivity, inattention, or school refusal
Sleep disturbances and nightmares
Food restriction or new eating rituals
Physical symptoms: tics, jerky movements, blinking, throat clearing
How Conventional Medicine Manages PANDAS
Antibiotics for the strep infection
Sometimes anti-inflammatories (e.g., ibuprofen)
In severe cases, steroids, IVIG, or plasmapheresis
Behavioral therapies (CBT) for OCD/tics
Family support and school accommodations
Homeopathic Support for PANS & PANDAS
Homeopathy does not treat PANDAS as a single disease name, but works by selecting a remedy based on the child’s unique symptom pattern, including mental/emotional traits, behaviors, physical symptoms, and triggers.
