PANS and PANDAS Treatment Guidelines for Patient

 

Are you or someone you know experiencing sudden and severe behavioral changes, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive symptoms? It could be a sign of Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) or Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS). These disorders can often go misdiagnosed due to a lack of awareness among medical professionals. However, practical treatment guidelines available for PANS and PANDAS can help improve the quality of life for those affected. Keep reading to learn more about these disorders and how they can be treated.

Symptoms of PANS and PANDAS

Sudden-onset neuropsychiatric symptoms in children characterize PANS and PANDAS. These symptoms can be severe and debilitating, often causing distress for the child and their family.

 Symptoms of PANS may include sudden changes in behavior such as irritability, emotional lability, separation anxiety or aggressiveness. Children with PANS may also experience a decline in school performance or refusal to attend school altogether.

 On the other hand, children with PANDAS may develop obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) symptoms suddenly that were not present before. They might also develop tics like blinking or grimacing.

 It is important to note that these disorders are triggered by an infection such as strep throat or pneumonia which can cause inflammation of the brain leading to these unusual symptoms.

 If you notice any of these sudden onset neuropsychiatric behaviors in your child following an infection, it’s essential to seek medical attention immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment can help improve outcomes for those affected by these conditions.

Diagnosis of PANS and PANDAS

PANS and PANDAS Treatment Guidelines can be a challenging process. This is because there is no specific test to diagnose these conditions. Instead, doctors rely on clinical observations and medical history to diagnose accurately.

 The diagnostic criteria for both PANS and PANDAS include the sudden onset of OCD or severe eating restrictions, as well as other neuropsychiatric symptoms such as anxiety, depression, tics, or mood swings. It's important to note that these symptoms must not have been present before the onset of illness.

 Medical professionals will also look for evidence of recent streptococcal infection in patients with suspected cases of PANDAS. Doctors may order laboratory tests like throat swabs or blood tests to determine if there was any recent exposure to Group A Streptococcus bacteria.

 Parents must record their child’s behavior changes over time since this information will help doctors diagnose accurately. Parents should also bring along any previous diagnoses or treatments their child has received regarding psychiatric illnesses.

 In summary, diagnosing PANS and PANDAS requires careful observation by medical professionals trained to recognize neuropsychiatric disorders in children. Since it can be difficult to distinguish between different types of psychiatric illnesses, having detailed records about your child's behavior changes will aid physicians in making an accurate diagnosis.

Treatment Guidelines for PANS and PANDAS

Treatment for PANS and PANDAS is often a multi-disciplinary approach. The goal of treatment is to reduce inflammation and prevent further neurological damage. Treatment options may include antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medication, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy, plasmapheresis, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and more.

 Antibiotics are often prescribed in the early stages of PANS or PANDAS to combat any underlying infections that may contribute to symptoms. Anti-inflammatory medication can also help reduce inflammation in the brain and improve symptoms.

 IVIG therapy involves infusing immune globulins from healthy donors into the patient's bloodstream to boost their immune system response. Plasmapheresis involves removing plasma from the blood, which contains antibodies attacking the brain cells.

 Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can assist with anxiety, depression, or OCD symptoms common among children with these conditions. Parents need to work closely with healthcare professionals when deciding on appropriate treatments, as they will largely depend on individual cases.

 The length of treatment varies depending on how severe each case is, but it’s generally recommended that patients undergo long-term therapies until all symptoms subside entirely.

Prevention of PANS and PANDAS

As with many illnesses, prevention is the best course of action. Unfortunately, there are no known measures to prevent PANS or PANDAS. However, parents can ensure their children maintain good hygiene practices, such as washing their hands frequently and covering their mouths when coughing or sneezing.

 It's also crucial for parents to be aware of any symptoms that may arise in their child and seek medical attention promptly. Early diagnosis leads to early treatment, which improves a child's chances of recovery.

 While PANS and PANDAS can be debilitating conditions for the affected child and families involved, following a proper Mentoring program for Health coach’s options can lead to significant improvements in symptoms over time. By working closely with healthcare providers specializing in these disorders, parents will have access to essential resources for managing these complex illnesses effectively.