How Common Is PANDAS Syndrome?

Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) syndrome is a rare condition that’s mostly present in children.

Exactly how common PANDAS is can be difficult to determine due to the overlapping symptoms with other neuropsychiatric conditions and there is no singular diagnostic test. However, the syndrome commonly emerges in children as early as the age of three and into puberty, particularly in those who have had streptococcal infections. The rarity of PANDAS, combined with its specific age range of occurrence and the preceding strep infection, makes it a unique condition.

Despite its rarity, the impact of PANDAS syndrome on affected children and their families can be significant. Early recognition and intervention are crucial, as PANDAS can lead to severe psychological and neurological symptoms.

Identification is particularly important given the condition’s potential to co-occur or appear as more common pediatric neuropsychiatric disorders, complicating diagnosis and treatment.

The symptoms and signs of PANDAS syndrome are highly varied, impacting both the neurological and psychological well-being of affected children.

Children may exhibit a sudden presentation of obsessive-compulsive behaviors, tics, mood swings, irritability, and changes in motor skills and coordination. These symptoms often appear or worsen dramatically, following a streptococcal infection.

Psychological symptoms can include severe anxiety, depression, and behavior resembling ADHD, significantly affecting a child’s daily functioning and quality of life. The neurological symptoms, such as difficulty with coordination, learning challenges, and sensitivities to sensory input, further complicate the child’s ability to engage in typical activities and schooling.

In addition to these symptoms, children with PANDAS may experience a range of other signs, including sleep disturbances, bedwetting, changes in appetite, and separation anxiety. The wide-ranging and often severe nature of these symptoms highlights the need for a thorough and multidisciplinary approach to diagnosis and treatment.

PANDAS syndrome is thought to arise from an immune response to a streptococcal infection as it typically occurs in the aftermath. This occurs when antibodies mistakenly target the brain, leading to inflammation and the symptoms associated with this disorder.

This autoimmune reaction specifically affects neuronal cells, disrupting normal neurological functioning and resulting in the wide array of psychological and neurological symptoms associated with PANDAS.

While antibiotics can address the initial strep infection, the autoimmune aspects require interventions that can correct the immune response and mitigate its impact on the brain.

The many factors associated with PANDAS can lead to several treatment interventions. This includes treatments beyond traditional antibiotic therapy, including immunomodulatory therapies and cognitive behavioral therapy, to address the symptoms and root cause of the syndrome’s cause.

Preventing PANDAS syndrome primarily involves minimizing the risk of streptococcal infections in children. This can help in reducing the likelihood of the autoimmune reaction that is responsible for the disorder.

Parents and caregivers can play a significant role in prevention by encouraging good hygiene practices, such as regular handwashing, using hand sanitizers, and teaching children to cover their mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing.

Avoiding close contact with individuals who have strep throat or other streptococcal infections can also reduce the risk of transmission. In addition to these preventive measures, early treatment of streptococcal infections is crucial.

Prompt administration of antibiotics for strep throat or scarlet fever can prevent the development of PANDAS syndrome by eliminating the bacterial infection before it can trigger an autoimmune response.

While it may not be possible to prevent every case of PANDAS, adopting these strategies can significantly reduce the risk and ensure that children remain as healthy as possible. For families with a history of autoimmune diseases or those whose children have frequent strep infections, being aware of these preventive measures is especially important.

PANDAS syndrome treatment is available at the Center for Occupational and Environmental Medicine. Visit us online today to learn more about our services and to meet our team of leading medical professionals. We also encourage new and current clients to visit us online for directions to our leading clinic! We have been a world-class center of excellence in medicine since 1978, so you are in good hands with our team of dedicated medical professionals. Patients routinely fly in to be evaluated by COEM, as we serve patients internationally. Find out if you have been exposed, extensive lab testing is available. We serve patients from Charleston, Mt. Pleasant, Summerville, North Charleston SC, Ladson, SC, Hanahan SC, James Island SC, John’s Island SC, Daniel Island SC, and all of South Carolina, Nationally, and Internationally! Our leading clinic serves local patients and international patients alike!