Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) Treatment Specialist in Charleston, SC
Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) is a condition that causes sudden and severe psychiatric symptoms in children, often triggered by infections or other factors. It can lead to obsessive-compulsive behaviors, tics, and mood changes. At COEM, we offer specialized care to diagnose and manage PANS, focusing on a comprehensive, individualized treatment plan. For more information, contact us today or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 7510 North Forest Drive North Charleston, SC 29420. Patients routinely fly in to be evaluated by COEM, as we serve patients nationally and internationally.


Table of Contents:
What is Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS)?
What are the common symptoms of PANS?
What causes Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS)?
What infections are commonly associated with PANS?
Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) is a condition that typically manifests suddenly and involves a rapid onset of psychiatric symptoms in children. These symptoms can include severe anxiety, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, and tics, which can significantly disrupt the child’s daily life. Unlike other neuropsychiatric conditions, PANS is characterized by its abrupt onset, often following a period of normal development. The condition is typically linked to an underlying medical issue that triggers an immune response, affecting the brain and nervous system. The specialists at The Center for Occupational and Environmental Medicine (COEM) work with parents and caregivers to identify the condition early and assess potential contributing factors, such as infections or environmental exposures, that may be influencing the child’s health.
PANS can often lead to challenges in both social and academic environments, as the child experiences cognitive and behavioral changes that are difficult to explain through traditional diagnoses. This syndrome involves both physical and mental health aspects, which requires a comprehensive approach to treatment. The symptoms of PANS can sometimes mimic other disorders, making it crucial to perform a thorough evaluation to rule out other causes and develop a tailored treatment plan. Early intervention and proper management can help mitigate the impact of PANS on the child’s life, leading to better long-term outcomes.
The symptoms of PANS can vary in intensity, but they typically emerge suddenly and include both behavioral and physical changes. Common psychiatric symptoms include obsessive-compulsive behaviors, extreme anxiety, mood swings, and deterioration in handwriting or other motor skills. Children with PANS often exhibit irritability, intrusive thoughts, and sudden fears or phobias that seem disproportionate to the situation. Additionally, changes in personality or behavior may appear, with children displaying oppositional or defiant tendencies. Physical symptoms such as tics, involuntary movements, and difficulty with coordination can also develop, further complicating the diagnosis and treatment. These psychiatric and physical symptoms can disrupt a child’s ability to function normally at school or in social settings, making early recognition and intervention key. The specialists at COEM focus on understanding the full spectrum of symptoms to determine the underlying causes of PANS, which may range from infections to environmental factors.
The exact cause of PANS is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve an autoimmune response triggered by an infection or other environmental exposures. In many cases, an infection can lead to the body’s immune system mistakenly attacking healthy cells in the brain, leading to the sudden onset of neuropsychiatric symptoms. This autoimmune response appears to affect brain regions responsible for regulating emotions, behavior, and motor skills. The specialists at COEM work with families to identify potential triggers, such as infections, that could set off this immune reaction and contribute to the onset of PANS. Environmental factors, including exposure to toxins or other stressors, may also play a role in the development of PANS. While infections are commonly implicated, it’s not always clear which specific factors contribute to the immune system’s reaction. The treatment approach to PANS is often focused on addressing the immune dysfunction through various therapeutic strategies, including addressing any infections that may have triggered the response. A thorough evaluation is necessary to uncover all possible causes and ensure that the child receives the appropriate care to manage both the underlying cause and the symptoms associated with PANS.
PANS has been linked to several infections that may trigger an autoimmune response in children. One of the most common culprits is Group A Streptococcus (GAS), which can cause conditions like strep throat or scarlet fever. In some cases, the immune system reacts to the infection by attacking the brain, leading to the sudden onset of neuropsychiatric symptoms. Other infections, such as those caused by Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), influenza, and certain respiratory viruses, have also been associated with the development of PANS. The specialists at COEM work to identify these infections through thorough diagnostic testing and provide treatment to address both the infection and the autoimmune response. In addition to these infections, other environmental factors may contribute to the development of PANS, although infections remain the primary triggers. The immune system’s response to these infections can lead to inflammation in the brain, disrupting normal function and resulting in the behavioral and cognitive symptoms seen in PANS. Treatment typically involves addressing the underlying infection and managing the immune response to help alleviate the associated neuropsychiatric symptoms. By targeting both the infection and the body’s immune reaction, the specialists COEM provide effective treatment for children affected by PANS.
Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) treatment is available at The Center for Occupational and Environmental Medicine (COEM). For more information, contact us today or book an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 7510 North Forest Drive North Charleston, SC 29420. 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. Patients routinely fly into Charleston to be evaluated by COEM and to enjoy this beautiful city which is a Condé Nast and Travel and Leisure Top Domestic and International Tourist Destination.

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Additional Services You May Like
- Functional Medicine
- Allergy and Autoimmunity
- Asthma and COPD
- Autoimmune Diseases
- Allergy and Immunology
- Anti Aging Medicine
- Autism and Children
- ADHD
- Bacterial Infections
- Breast Health and Thermography
- Chemical Toxicity
- Candida Fungal Problems
- Cancer Treatment
- Chronic Illness
- Chronic Fatigue
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS)
- Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
- Chelation Therapy
- Depression
- Environmental Medicine
- Ear Ringing and Dizziness
- Fatigue Treatment
- Fertility and Preconception Care
- Gut Health
- Heavy Metal Toxicity
- Hormonal Imbalances
- Headaches and Migraines
- Hormone Balancing (Men & Women)
- Hepatitis
- Integrative Medicine
- Influenza
- Lab Testing
- Mold Toxicity
- Malnutrition
- Neurodegenerative Disease
- Natural Hormone Balancing For Women
- Preservative-Free IV Therapy
- Stomach Acid Imbalance
- Smoking Cessation Program
- Skin Therapy (Anti-Aging)
- Swine Flu
- Thyroid
- Mold Toxicity
- Vitamin D
- Weight Loss Program
- Women’s Breast Health Formula