What kind of doctor treats PANDAS?
Not all doctors have experience diagnosing PANDAS. Your child may need to see a rheumatologist or an immunologist, or someone who specializes in strep infections. A referral to a psychiatrist or psychologist will probably be part of the treatment plan.
What is the treatment for PANDAS?
Treatment with Antibiotics 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.
Are PANDAS specialists?
Pandas are an excellent example of a herbivore specialist, because they have a specific niche that they live in and their diet consists only of bamboo.
What are some 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.
Do antibiotics cure PANDAS?
Antibiotics. The NIMH stresses that if the strep infection is still present, the best treatment for PANDAS is antibiotics, including amoxicillin, penicillin, azithromycin, and cephalosporins.
What happens if PANDAS goes 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.
Are PANDAS autistic?
PANDAS is a subtype of PANS with a specific known cause, exposure to a strep infection. While PANS/PANDAS occurs mostly in children who do not also have Autism Spectrum Disorder, in rare cases, a child may have both conditions.
Can adults get PANDAS syndrome?
CAN TEENAGERS AND ADULTS GET PANS & PANDAS? The short answer is yes. While the focus in research has been on children with PANS, the link between the immune system and neuropsychiatric symptoms can be seen in patients of many ages.
What is the pandas physicians network practitioner Directory?
The PANDAS Physicians Network (PPN) Practitioner Directory is made available by the PPN as an informational resource. The directory includes the names of PPN doctor and medical professional members who have given their permission to be identified publicly.
How can this publication help clinicians new to pans/pandas?
This publication helps clinicians new to PANS/PANDAS by providing an overview, symptoms and diagnostic criteria, workup recommendations, and expectations. Follow the process for determining the appropriate diagnosis and symptom severity based treatment protocols for mild, moderate, and severe/extreme cases.
How can access help you evaluate pans and pandas?
Access published criteria, symptoms associated with PANS and PANDAS, and additional tools to help health care providers navigate evaluating their patients. Access information on treating PANS and PANDAS with antimicrobials, immunomodulatory therapy, and psychotherapeutic and behavioral therapy.
How is pans/pandas treated?
Access information on treating PANS and PANDAS with antimicrobials, immunomodulatory therapy, and psychotherapeutic and behavioral therapy. This publication helps clinicians new to PANS/PANDAS by providing an overview, symptoms and diagnostic criteria, workup recommendations, and expectations.