PANDAS stands for Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal.
PANDAS affects 1 in 200 children in the US but with the limited knowledge and many children that are misdiagnosed it is likely a much higher rate. Basically, when a child is exposed to the Strep virus the antibodies begin fighting the infection but also begins fighting part of the brain, specifically the Basil Ganglia. Most PANDAS children don't ever show real signs of Strep and may not even present a fever. The attack on the brain typically causes a sudden onset of symptoms:
- OCD
- TICS (repetitive vocal or body movements)
- Tourettes
- ADHD
- Anxiety
- Emotional changes - depression, regression (baby talk), irritability, rage/aggression, defiance, uncontrollable laughing or crying
- Handwriting, math skills, and/or reading deteriorates, poor school performance or refusing to go to school
- Sensory or Motor sensitivity
- Changes in appetite, eating restrictions or fear of choking
- Sleep difficulties
- Urinary frequencies, bedwetting and/or accidents
- Hyperactivity
- Separation anxiety
- Dilated pupils
- Hallucinations
- Lack of eye contact
These are just some of the symptoms and a child may have a couple, many or all of these symptoms. During each flare up or sickness, symptoms may become more intense or other symptoms may start. While each child will present different symptoms, the one thing in common is that the child will suddenly become different almost overnight.
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