PANS/PANDAS

Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS): first described in 2012

Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal infections (PANDAS): a subtype of PANS, and first described in 1998

See My Treatment Approach here

PANS Diagnostic Hierarchy. Swedo et al. (2012).
PANS Diagnostic Criteria. From Swedo et al. (2012).

Above images contain information from: Swedo, Leckman & Rose (2012) From Research Subgroup to Clinical Syndrome: Modifying the PANDAS Criteria to Describe PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome).

Research suggests a child with genetic predisposition for PANS experiences a virus that overwhelms the immune response, and enters the brain. Research disagrees on whether its an autoimmune response or 'cytokine storm' in the brain. Both cause inflammation: The quick, non-specific innate immune response triggers a PANS "flare" with acute-onset of symptoms, potentially within hours. The backup, long-term, specific adaptive immune response is exaggerated and maintains the 'flare'. This disrupts the basal ganglia functioning, causing psychiatric and neurological symptoms. Medical treatment is essential: see the Treatment Guidelines.

Immune response = inflamed brain and personality change

Effects of Basal Ganglia Inflammation by Margo Thienemann. pandasppn

PANS Rating Scale by Dr Tanya Murphy and Dr Gail Bernstein. This can be used to track symptoms.

Overview of guidelines development, diagnostic information and the 3-pronged approach to treatment
Selected books and peer-reviewed journal articles.
Updates: Ongoing.
Specialists from a variety of fields speaking about PANS / PANDAS.
Updates: Ongoing.
Youtube videos, Webinars and Documentaries about PANS / PANDAS from specialists and families.
Updates: Ongoing.
Information, resources and advocacy. Facebook groups and websites.
Updates: Ongoing.
Clinical observations and what I've learned from working with my clients.
Updates: Ongoing.