What are the symptoms of PANDAS?

What are the symptoms of PANDAS?

PANDAS Symptoms Checklist

• Sudden onset of OCD-like symptoms.
• Irritability or aggression.
• Depression or extreme moodiness.
• Poor motor coordination.
• Tics or unusual movements.
• Sensitivity to light, sound or touch.
• Visual hallucinations.
• Sleep disturbances or fatigue.

How do you treat PANDAS?

What are the treatment options for children with PANDAS? The best treatment for acute episodes of PANDAS is to treat the strep infection causing the symptoms, if it is still present, with antibiotics. A throat culture should be done to document the presence of strep bacteria in the throat.

Is there a cure for PANDAS syndrome?

Although it may take time, most children who have PANDAS recover completely with treatment. Symptoms tend to slowly get better over several months once the strep infection clears, but there may be ups and downs. PANDAS is likely to come back if your child gets strep again.

What is Panda disease?

Pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorder associated with streptococcal infections (PANDAS) is a disorder that results from infection with streptococcal-A, commonly referred to as strep, or strep throat.

How long does PANDAS disease last?

In PANDAS children, a strep infection occurs before or at the time the OCD symptoms ramp up. Assuming the infection is adequately treated, the first symptoms generally improve within 4-6 weeks.

What happens if PANDAS go untreated?

Symptoms of PANDAS can leave your child unable to function at school or in social situations. Untreated, symptoms of PANDAS may continue to worsen and can result in permanent cognitive damage. For some children, PANDAS can become a chronic autoimmune condition.

What is the best antibiotic for PANDAS?

Azithromycin and penicillin have been utilized in the treatment of PANDAS with observations of improvement in neuropsychiatric symptoms.

What happens if PANDAS left untreated?

Are there any potential complications? Symptoms of PANDAS can leave your child unable to function at school or in social situations. Untreated, symptoms of PANDAS may continue to worsen and can result in permanent cognitive damage. For some children, PANDAS can become a chronic autoimmune condition.

Can adults get PANDAS?

While it is possible that an adult or teenager might develop PANDAS, research has not explored this issue in depth. The National Institute of Mental Health argue that it is unlikely that someone would first experience PANDAS symptoms as an adult. Anecdotal evidence suggests that symptoms may disappear in adulthood.