A PANDAS flare-up can cause behavioral and neurological symptoms that appear quickly and intensely. Symptoms of OCD, tics, behavioral regression, and anxiety can be triggered by infections, environmental allergens, and stress. This can be overwhelming for the child and the family, prompting a need for relief. Knowing what to look for, how to respond, and where to get help is crucial.
It can be terrifying to watch your child suddenly exhibit severe behavioral changes, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, or anxiety and panic without any explanation. When they appear out of nowhere without any explanation, there is often a lot of confusion and fear.
Parents with kids diagnosed with Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections, or PANDAS, this is the reality. And flare-ups can further intensify symptoms, truly leaving parents overwhelmed and with many unanswered questions.
In an attempt to bring some clarity and calm, this article explores PANDAS flare-ups, including the signs, triggers, and what you should do.
What is a PANDAS Flare-Up?
If you have found yourself here, then you likely already have a general understanding of PANDAS—that it is a condition caused by a strep infection, which results in the immune system mistakenly attacking the brain. It can lead to a sudden onset of neuropsychiatric symptoms, like anxiety, tics, obsessive-compulsive behavior, and more.
A flare-up occurs when these symptoms worsen, for one reason or another. A child who may have been doing well before suddenly showing signs of regression may be having a flare-up. Behavioral, emotional, and cognitive feelings can be more prevalent and severe. What’s more, they seem to come on quickly without any warning.
We understand these can be scary, both for the child and the parent. So, let’s talk about what you need to know to get through them.
Common Signs of a PANDAS Flare-Up
Getting the right care and support means knowing how to spot a flare-up when it happens. The symptoms can vary greatly from one child to the next, but the most common, noticeable signs are below.
The Onset of OCD and/or Intrusive Thoughts
One of the most defining symptoms of PANDAS is the sudden appearance of OCD, or the significant escalation of these behaviors. Seemingly out of the blue, children may develop an extreme fear of germs, compulsively wash their hands, or have intense, disruptive thoughts.
Extreme Anxiety
This new level of anxiety can lead to panic attacks, crying, tantrums, and a fear of being away from parents or caregivers. This is different from age-appropriate separation anxiety and is often a new behavior exhibited by the child.
Behavioral Regression
During PANDAS flare-ups, it is not uncommon for kids to begin reverting to past behaviors. In other words, they begin acting as if they are much younger than they are, often presenting with symptoms of things they had previously outgrown, such as bedwetting, baby talk, tantrums, and so forth.
Tics
Tics or involuntary movements are also common signs of a flare. These may be motor or vocal, consisting of anything from eye blinking and throat clearing to body movements or sounds. For some kids, these tics may be new. For others, they may just be worse than normal.
Unstable Emotions
Handling emotions can be tough during a flare-up. Outbursts are common and intense, happening suddenly. They may arise out of nowhere, leaving parents stunned. Look out for mood swings, irritability, rage episodes, and depressive symptoms.
Cognitive Changes
Finally, issues with cognitive abilities are very common. Kids going through a flare-up may find it hard to concentrate, have memory lapses, and even show some confusion. These things can impact all areas of their lives, especially when it comes to academics.
What Triggers a PANDAS Flare-Up?
As a parent, you want to take every step imaginable to ensure that your child is healthy and safe. However, while there are some PANDAS triggers that you can be proactive about, there are others that are completely out of your control.
The most common trigger is another strep infection, even if asymptomatic. It is the immune response that is sparked, and it targets the brain, resulting in a flare. Additionally, viral infections like a cold, the flu, and sinus infections also irritate the immune system and cause a response.
Aside from illness, environmental toxins like dust mites, pollen, and mold can lead to inflammation and trigger a flare. Exposure to harsh chemicals can do the same. And, finally, kids who are under a lot of stress or aren’t getting good, quality sleep can cause their immune system to weaken. This leaves them vulnerable to a flare-up.
What Should You Do During a PANDAS Flare-Up?
No parent wants to feel helpless when a flare occurs. With the right response at the right moment, you can help reduce its intensity and duration. Here’s how to do it.
Knowing what to look for and tracking symptoms is so important. It will help you gain a deeper understanding of what is going on with your child and when you can expect a flare-up. In the meantime, taking steps to support immune system health is essential, including good nutrition, plenty of sleep, exercise, and probiotics.
During a flare-up, creating a calm, safe environment is vital. And, parents, patience is a must during this time. Garnering support from a therapist familiar with PANDAS can also be very beneficial.
Of course, the best thing you can do is find a PANDAS-literate medical team and get to the root cause of the infection. This will help you get your little one the right testing and treatment to reduce or eliminate its impact in the future. The key is knowing where to turn.
When a PANDAS Flare Strikes, Lyme Mexico Can Help
Unexpected flare-ups can turn life upside down. Thankfully, there is a path forward. Rather than feeling like you are losing your child to an invisible disease, you can have the right medical team, the most effective treatments, and consistent support from Lyme Mexico. Travel outside the country, such as outside the United States, Canada, the UK, Australia, or New Zealand and find alternate treatments that will give you relief.
Embrace a life where your child is thriving and flare-ups are no longer a disruption. Don’t wait to take action, contact us today! Lyme Mexico is your first step toward healing.
Schedule a consultation and become a patient today.
