PANS & PANDAS

Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections, or PANDAS, is a pediatric condition that affects many children throughout the world, and accounts for 70% of our patients. PANDAS describes a subset of children with tic disorders such as Tourette Syndrome or Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, in conjunction with the following symptoms:

  • OCD
  • Restricted food intake
  • Anxiety
  • Severe separation anxiety
  • Rage episodes
  • Sensory problems
  • Dysgraphia
  • Sleep disorder
  • Frequent urination
  • Abnormal movements
  • Chorea, Tics
  • Apraxia
  • Deterioration at school performance

In recent years, PANDAS has come to be known as a subset of Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS). The major distinction between the two is that with PANDAS, the symptoms are accompanied by strep infections such as strep throat. Click this link that will read additional europa casino promo code 2021.

Dr. Latimer has done extensive work with the PANDAS Network, as well as the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) to conduct research into these conditions and increase awareness for them. As more parents become aware of these conditions, we will be able to help more children receive the treatment they deserve.

PANDAS Diagnostic Testing

PANDAS must be clinically diagnosed. There are 5 widely accepted criteria that we use for diagnosing PANDAS:

  1. The presence of OCD, a tic disorder (motor or vocal), or a combination of both
  2. Symptoms begin during pediatric years (3 years old to puberty)
  3. The presence of a streptococcal infection such as strep throat
  4. Episodic course of symptom severity – symptoms can flare up suddenly, then improve gradually, and return when they have a strep infection
  5. The presence of neurological abnormalities such as hyperactivity or problems with coordination

PANS and PANDAS Treatment

We are one of the few offices in the area that provides comprehensive treatment for PANS and PANDAS. After evaluating and diagnosing your child with either PANS or PANDAS, we will go over different treatment options with you. Treatments for PANS/PANDAS may include antibiotics to eradicate an identified infection such as strep, lyme or Bartonella. Depending on the severity of the case, immunomodulatory therapies may be initiated at the same time or in the following appointments.

If you have noticed any of the symptoms above in your child, call the Latimer Neurology Center at (202) 625-4898 to schedule an appointment. We can determine whether or not your child has PANS or PANDAS, and start working on a solution that will allow them to live life as normally as possible.

Evaluation

New patients are scheduled for a 90 minute appointment to obtain a comprehensive history and exam. Please send all medical records prior to the appointment so they can be reviewed before the patient is seen. If you have any laboratory testing please send those in as well. Additional lab tests may be ordered at the time of visit.

For more information about PANS or PANDAS, visit PANDAS Network, or the NIMH website.