PANS vs PANDAS? These are conditions that cause sudden behavioral and cognitive changes in children, often after an infection. While similar, they differ in cause. PANDAS is specifically linked to strep infections while PANS can be triggered by various infections and toxins. A proper diagnosis and the right treatment can provide relief from the long list of cognitive and neurological symptoms that disrupt daily life for many children.
The terms PANS and PANDAS often get lumped together as if they are the same condition. But while they do have some similarities, they also have a few distinct characteristics that set them apart.
This article explores the differences between PANS and PANDAS.
A Closer Look at PANS vs PANDAS
Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) and Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) are conditions that may occur after an infection.
When the body’s immune system responds to an infection by attacking itself, including its own brain cells, this impacts the function of the central nervous system.
Here is a closer look at PANS and PANDAS so that you may gain a deeper understanding of their similarities and differences.
Signs and Symptoms
The signs of PANS and PANDAS come on suddenly. Kids will begin to experience severe compulsions, obsessions, or both as part of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). This is one of the most common ways to spot the disorder.
For instance, a child may suddenly have an intense fear of something or may repeat actions over and over without the ability to stop. This new behavior can be concerning for parents and should be addressed by healthcare professionals — as part of these conditions.
A few additional symptoms include:
- Numbness
- Tics, jerking, or other abnormal movements
- Anxiety, depression, or severe mood swings
- Aggressive behavior
- Onset of bedwetting and sleep difficulties
- Heightened senses with sensitivities to light, sounds, the feel of clothes, etc.
- Seizures
There are developmental signs, as well, that may indicate the presence of one of these conditions, including:
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Learning disabilities
- Delayed speech
- Dysgraphia, or handwriting disorder
- Dyscalculia, or math disorder
- Reading disorders
- Visual perception disorder
- Coordination disorder
Depending on the age of the child, these could lead to a sudden deterioration of school performance, such as a sudden change in handwriting or declining grades.
Similarities Between PANS vs PANDAS
There are ways in which both conditions are quite similar, making it tough to tell them apart. Let’s take a look.
Both PANS and PANDAS have neuropsychiatric and neurocognitive symptoms. They can also have comorbid conditions that can impact other areas of life, such as learning difficulties, inability to focus, and anxiety.
Each comes with an increased risk of illness and infections, as well as sensitivities to foods, chemicals, and mold.
Flares can occur at varying frequencies for both conditions and this has a significant impact on daily life, especially quality of life.
Finding a healthcare professional who has extensive knowledge of these conditions is the best way to uncover what your child is going through — and how to help.
Key Differences Between PANS vs PANDAS
Although they may look very similar, there are a few key differences you will want to note.
Simply put, all PANDAS cases are PANS, but not all PANS cases are PANDAS.
PANDAS is a subset of PANS, with the latter being the general term used for all of these types of sudden-onset cases. And the cause of each is, by far, the biggest difference. For instance, PANDAS is an autoimmune condition that is triggered by a streptococcus infection whereas, without the strep factor, it is PANS.
PANS may be triggered by a variety of things, such as inflammatory reactions, metabolic concerns, and other infections, including influenza and Lyme disease.
An additional difference is the onset of the first episode. The timeline for when the condition can take root and begin showing itself varies between the two. For PANDAS, the first episode typically occurs in younger children before puberty kicks in — most commonly between the ages of three and 12. The first episode of PANS, on the other hand, can occur in children, adolescents, and even adults.
Finally, the onset of symptoms tends to come on suddenly in both instances. However, with PANDAS they tend to appear more abruptly than with the quick, yet gradual onset from PANS.
Diagnosing and Treating PANS and PANDAS
There is no single test to use that will confirm these conditions. Many healthcare professionals who know and suspect PANS or PANDAS will perform a physical exam and review medical history, paying close attention to any recent infections.
Blood tests can check for antibodies to strep or other infections to further narrow down the diagnosis. And, due to the symptoms, a psychological evaluation is always recommended.
As for treatment, there is no cure for these conditions. The goal becomes finding a way to manage the symptoms and addressing any underlying infection. The approach to treatment will depend on where you seek help. Many include:
- Antibiotics to treat any underlying infections
- Immunotherapy to elevate the immune system
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to help manage symptoms of OCD
- Medication management for mood swings, anxiety, and depression
As PANS and PANDAS are more deeply understood, alternative treatments are available to bring relief and improve one’s overall quality of life.
PANS and PANDAS Treatment at Lyme Mexico
Does your child show signs of PANS and PANDAS, but cannot find relief? The search can be daunting, especially because they are conditions that aren’t widely understood.
The clinic at Lyme Mexico specializes in helping patients with PANS and PANDAS. 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 the relief you have been hoping for. The use of immunotherapy and immunoglobulin therapy results in an increased immune regulation and response. What’s more, treatments such as stem cells, neurogenerative peptide therapy, and others all benefit the patient’s health in incredible ways.
Schedule a consultation and become a patient today!
Conclusion
When a child suddenly begins exhibiting behavioral and cognitive changes after an illness, it can be alarming. Those familiar with autoimmune conditions may refer to what your child is experiencing as PANS or PANDAS, but the exact condition isn’t known until testing determines the most differentiating factor — whether or not it results from strep bacteria.