PANS/PANDAS Evaluation & Treatment
Comprehensive, Individualized Care for Children with PANS and PANDAS
At Rise Wellness, we evaluate and treat children with suspected or diagnosed PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) and PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections).
These conditions are characterized by the sudden onset of neuropsychiatric symptoms, including obsessive-compulsive behaviors, anxiety, tics, emotional changes, and behavioral difficulties.
While PANDAS is specifically associated with streptococcal infections, PANS is a broader condition that may be associated with bacterial infections, viral illnesses, immune system dysfunction, and environmental factors.
Our approach focuses on identifying potential underlying medical contributors, addressing infectious and inflammatory concerns, and developing individualized treatment plans.
Common Signs and Symptoms
Children with PANS/PANDAS may experience:
Sudden onset of OCD or obsessive-compulsive behaviors
Motor or vocal tics
Severe anxiety or separation anxiety
Irritability, aggression, or emotional outbursts
Changes in mood or behavior
Restrictive eating or food avoidance
Sleep disturbances
Sensory sensitivities
Difficulty concentrating or declining school performance
Urinary frequency or bedwetting
Behavioral or developmental regression
Symptoms may appear suddenly, fluctuate over time, or worsen during periods of illness.
Potential Triggers and Contributing Factors
PANS may be associated with a variety of infectious, immune-related, and environmental factors. Potential contributors considered during an evaluation may include:
Bacterial infections: Streptococcal infections, Mycoplasma pneumoniae, and other bacterial illnesses
Tick-borne infections: Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses when clinically indicated
Viral infections: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), influenza, and other viral illnesses
Immune and inflammatory conditions: Immune system dysfunction and inflammatory processes
Environmental factors: Relevant environmental exposures and other potential triggers
Not every child has an identifiable trigger, and the relationship between some of these factors and PANS remains under investigation.
Our Approach to PANS/PANDAS
At Rise Wellness, we take a comprehensive, individualized approach to evaluating and managing PANS/PANDAS.
Our services may include:
Comprehensive Medical Evaluation: Detailed review of symptoms, medical history, previous infections, environmental exposures, and potential triggers.
Infectious Disease Assessment: Evaluation for bacterial, viral, and tick-borne infections based on clinical history and symptoms.
Immune and Inflammatory Assessment: Evaluation of relevant immune and inflammatory concerns when appropriate.
Individualized Laboratory Testing: Targeted testing to investigate suspected infections, medical contributors, and alternative diagnoses.
Treatment and Management: Individualized medical treatment directed at identified conditions, along with supportive care and coordination with other specialists as needed.
Ongoing Care: Follow-up visits to monitor symptoms, assess treatment response, and adjust care plans.
Our goal is to look beyond the symptoms and evaluate potential underlying medical factors that may be contributing to a child's condition.
Schedule an Evaluation
If your child is experiencing sudden changes in behavior, anxiety, OCD symptoms, tics, or other unexplained neuropsychiatric symptoms, a comprehensive medical evaluation may help identify potential contributing factors.
Rise Wellness provides individualized PANS/PANDAS evaluations and ongoing medical management for children and families.
Contact Rise Wellness to schedule an appointment.