Pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS) facts for kids

Pediatric acute-onset neuropsychiatric syndrome (PANS) is a health problem that usually starts in childhood. It can cause sudden OCD (when your brain gets stuck on certain thoughts or actions) or tics (sudden, quick movements or sounds). The symptoms appear very quickly. If not treated early, PANS can continue into adulthood. Sometimes, PANS is caused by a type of bacteria called "Group A streptococcus" (this is called PANDAS). Other times, it's an immune reaction to other germs like different bacteria or viruses (this is called PITANDS).

What are the Signs of PANS?

Kids with PANS show a sudden start of OCD and/or tics. They also have at least two of these other sudden and strong symptoms:

• New or much worse OCD, or suddenly having a very hard time eating.
• Other brain-related symptoms that also start very quickly and are very strong. These symptoms come from at least two of these groups:
  • Feeling very scared or worried, with or without a clear reason (Anxiety).
  • Problems with feelings, like feeling very sad (Depression).
  • Becoming very aggressive.
  • Acting like a much younger child (behavioral regression).
  • Having trouble with schoolwork.
  • Problems with senses or movement (for example, handwriting suddenly gets much worse).
  • Other issues like trouble sleeping, wetting the bed, or needing to use the toilet very often.
• These symptoms cannot be better explained by other health problems. Examples of other problems include Sydenham's chorea, lupus, or Tourette syndrome.

How is PANS Diagnosed?

PANS symptoms can look like other diseases. Because of this, doctors need to do tests. These tests help to make sure it's not another condition. Some conditions that look similar are Sydenham's chorea, lupus, and Tourette syndrome. If a child has acute rheumatic fever, it means they do not have PANS.

How is PANS Treated?

Right now, there isn't one specific cure for PANS. This means doctors can only treat the symptoms. But scientists are working hard to find new treatments. They are looking into medicines like antibiotics and immune-based therapies. These might help to heal the disease itself. It is very important to treat the symptoms early and consistently. If not, PANS could become a problem that lasts a lifetime.

See also

In Spanish: PANDAS para niños