PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) is an incorrect immune system response, trigged by infections such as strep throat, that creates inflammation on a child’s brain. These infections can be persistent, and often result in the rapid onset of life-changing symptoms such as OCD, decline in handwriting and math skills, sensory sensitivities, restrictive eating, increased anxiety, tics, personality changes, and more.
PANS is characterized by repeated or persistent infection, such as strep throat or Lyme disease and commonly results in Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections, or PANDAS.
PANDAS is used to describe a subset of children and adolescents who have OCD and/or tic disorders, and whose symptoms significantly worsen with the onset of strep throat or Lyme disease. PANS can be triggered by any infectious agent, as well as non-infectious environmental triggers which are yet fully understood or researched.
Unfortunately, children with PANS/PANDAS are often misdiagnosed are treated with psychotropic drugs to manage their symptoms, rather than resolving the root cause of their illness.
At WAVE, you will work with a specialist that focuses specifically on PANS/PANDAS to determine the proper testing and if the clinical criteria of this diagnosis are met. For worried parents, know that there is treatment, and there is hope.
PANS is characterized by repeated or persistent infection, such as strep throat or Lyme disease and commonly results in Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections, or PANDAS.
PANDAS is used to describe a subset of children and adolescents who have OCD and/or tic disorders, and whose symptoms significantly worsen with the onset of strep throat or Lyme disease. PANS can be triggered by any infectious agent, as well as non-infectious environmental triggers which are yet fully understood or researched.
Unfortunately, children with PANS/PANDAS are often misdiagnosed are treated with psychotropic drugs to manage their symptoms, rather than resolving the root cause of their illness.
At WAVE, you will work with a specialist that focuses specifically on PANS/PANDAS to determine the proper testing and if the clinical criteria of this diagnosis are met. For worried parents, know that there is treatment, and there is hope.
How is PANS / PANDAS Treated?
Since PANS was only recently discovered and recognized, research into effective treatments has only just begun, but at WAVE we have experience treating the symptom-inducing infections. As part of our functional medicine philosophy, we identify and isolate the root cause of these persistent infections, which can help curtail the worst of these symptoms.
We also strongly recommend completing personalized genomic analysis to better understand the child's cellular needs and identify the most effective treatments. That’s why we include genomic analytics into our PANS/PANDAS program.
Depending on the individual case, we may also recommend treatments such as neuro-feedback, IVIG, Pulsed-Emitting Magnetic Field (PEMF), healthy personalized nutrition plans, and microbiome support. These options and their value can be discussed during your initial consultation, where we will work to find the most effective treatment for your child.
We also strongly recommend completing personalized genomic analysis to better understand the child's cellular needs and identify the most effective treatments. That’s why we include genomic analytics into our PANS/PANDAS program.
Depending on the individual case, we may also recommend treatments such as neuro-feedback, IVIG, Pulsed-Emitting Magnetic Field (PEMF), healthy personalized nutrition plans, and microbiome support. These options and their value can be discussed during your initial consultation, where we will work to find the most effective treatment for your child.
Parent Resources
Living with a child suffering from PANS/PANDAS can be difficult, but you’re not alone. There are many online and local support groups for parents and children that can help ease the burden and provide a safe space to share your emotions.
Here are just a few options:
New England PANS/PANDAS Association
CT PANS/PANDAS Partnership
PANS/PANDAS Advocacy & Support
PANDAS Network
Here are just a few options:
New England PANS/PANDAS Association
CT PANS/PANDAS Partnership
PANS/PANDAS Advocacy & Support
PANDAS Network