PANS & PANDAS
Personalized care for children experiencing sudden-onset neuropsychiatric symptoms associated with PANS and PANDAS.
PANS and PANDAS can cause sudden and significant changes in a child’s behavior, emotions, eating, sleep, and daily functioning. At Functional Medicine Collaborative, Dr. Sean Foss, ND, LAc, works with children and families to evaluate possible contributing factors and develop an individualized approach to care.
What are PANS & PANDAS?
PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) is characterized by the sudden onset of obsessive-compulsive symptoms or severely restricted food intake, along with other abrupt changes in behavior, mood, or neurological symptoms.
PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections) describes a group of symptoms associated with a sudden onset or worsening of OCD or tic symptoms in connection with a streptococcal infection.
Because symptoms can appear quickly and overlap with other medical, neurological, and psychiatric conditions, a thorough evaluation is important.
Common PANS/PANDAS Symptoms
One of the most important features of PANS and PANDAS is the sudden onset or significant worsening of symptoms. A child may appear to change dramatically over a short period of time, sometimes developing multiple symptoms at once.
Obsessive-compulsive thoughts or behaviors
Sudden restrictive eating or significant changes in eating
Motor or vocal tics
Separation anxiety or other sudden anxiety
Irritability, aggression, or severe oppositional behavior
Emotional changes, including mood swings or depression
Developmental or behavioral regression
Sudden decline in school performance
Changes in handwriting or other motor skills
Sensory sensitivities or unusual sensory symptoms
Sleep disturbances
Frequent urination or new bed-wetting
Not every child will experience the same symptoms, and these symptoms can also occur with other medical, neurological, or psychiatric conditions. PANS and PANDAS are clinical diagnoses, and there is currently no single laboratory test that can confirm either condition. A thorough medical evaluation is important when symptoms appear suddenly.
Our Approach to PANS/PANDAS Care
Dr. Sean Foss, ND, LAc, works with children and families affected by PANS and PANDAS. Because symptoms can overlap with other medical, neurological, and psychiatric conditions, care begins with a detailed evaluation of the child’s health history, symptom onset, possible infections or triggers, and previous testing and treatment.
When appropriate, additional laboratory testing may be recommended to help evaluate infections or other health factors that could be relevant to the child’s symptoms.
Individualized Treatment
Treatment recommendations are individualized based on the child’s symptoms, health history, evaluation, and test results when applicable. Depending on the child’s needs, care may involve addressing identified infections, nutritional support, lifestyle recommendations, supplements, and other therapies when appropriate.
Because PANS and PANDAS can involve complex medical and neuropsychiatric symptoms, care may also involve collaboration with the child’s pediatrician, mental health providers, specialists, or other members of their healthcare team.
A Team-Based Approach to PANS/PANDAS Care
Our PANS/PANDAS program provides coordinated support for children and families navigating complex health concerns. Dr. Sean Foss, ND, LAc, works alongside Nicole Williams and other members of our care team to help guide families through evaluation, treatment planning, follow-up, and ongoing care.
For families who would benefit from more structured support, we also offer a PANS/PANDAS care package that combines multiple visits and services into a coordinated plan.
Published PANS/PANDAS Case Study
Dr. Sean Foss, ND, LAc, co-authored a published case report with Dr. Elena Monarch examining three pediatric patients with PANS/PANDAS who received individualized, multidisciplinary care.
The case report describes the patients’ clinical presentations, treatment approaches, and outcomes and provides an example of how complex PANS/PANDAS cases may require multiple therapeutic approaches and collaboration among providers.
Common Questions About PANS & PANDAS
Are PANS and PANDAS the same?
No. PANS and PANDAS are closely related, but they are not the same. PANS describes the sudden onset of specific neuropsychiatric symptoms that may be associated with different triggers or contributing factors. PANDAS is specifically associated with streptococcal infection and the sudden onset or worsening of OCD or tic symptoms.
What does PANS stand for?
PANS stands for Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome. It is characterized by the sudden onset of obsessive-compulsive symptoms or severely restricted food intake along with other abrupt neuropsychiatric symptoms. The exact causes of PANS are not fully understood, and different infections, immune-related factors, or other triggers may be involved.
What does PANDAS stand for?
PANDAS stands for Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections. PANDAS is associated with the sudden onset or worsening of OCD or tic symptoms in connection with a streptococcal infection.
Can children recover from PANS or PANDAS?
The course of PANS and PANDAS varies from child to child. Some children recover fully, while others may experience recurring episodes or ongoing symptoms. Outcomes can depend on factors such as symptom severity, possible underlying triggers, and how the child responds to treatment. Ongoing follow-up may be needed as symptoms and treatment needs change over time.
How are PANS and PANDAS diagnosed?
PANS and PANDAS are clinical diagnoses, meaning there is no single laboratory test that can confirm either condition. Evaluation typically includes a detailed history of symptom onset, medical history, and possible infections or other contributing factors. Testing may be recommended when appropriate, and other medical, neurological, or psychiatric conditions may need to be considered.
PANS/PANDAS Care in Massachusetts & via Telehealth
Dr. Sean Foss, ND, LAc, works with children and families affected by PANS and PANDAS. In-person appointments are available at our South Dennis and Hingham, Massachusetts locations, with virtual appointments available for families who prefer telehealth.
Schedule a free 20-minute consultation to discuss your child’s health concerns, learn more about our approach, and determine whether our practice may be a good fit for your family.