PANS/PANDAS
PANS and PANDAS are conditions in which a child experiences a sudden onset of neuropsychiatric symptoms, often including OCD, anxiety, tics, emotional changes, restricted eating, regression, sleep issues, urinary symptoms, and changes in school performance.
PANS stands for Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome. PANDAS is a subset of PANS associated with a streptococcal infection. In both, symptoms may appear abruptly and can feel confusing, overwhelming, and life-changing for the child and family.
At Carolina Functional Neurology Center, we work to identify how the brain, immune system, autonomic nervous system, sensory systems, and motor systems may be contributing to a child’s symptoms. Our goal is to build an individualized plan that supports neurological regulation, functional improvement, and better quality of life.
PANS/PANDAS Symptoms May Include:
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Sudden onset OCD symptoms
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New or worsening tics
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Severe anxiety
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Separation anxiety
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Panic-like episodes
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Restricted eating
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Fatigue
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Dizziness
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Emotional outbursts
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Irritability or aggression
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Depression or mood changes
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Behavioral regression
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Sensory sensitivities
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Sleep disturbances
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Autonomic symptoms
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Light, sound, or motion sensitivity
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Urinary frequency or bedwetting
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Handwriting changes
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Decline in school performance
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Brain fog
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Attention or memory changes
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Motor abnormalities
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Coordination changes
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Headaches
PANS/PANDAS Evaluation
At CFNC, our goal is to help families better understand what may be driving their child’s symptoms. PANS/PANDAS can involve multiple systems, including immune function, infection history, inflammation, autonomic regulation, sensory processing, motor control, and brain network communication.
We begin with a detailed history and comprehensive neurological examination. Because symptoms can change quickly and may affect behavior, movement, cognition, sleep, appetite, and emotional regulation, we look closely at each child’s unique symptom pattern.
PANS/PANDAS care often requires collaboration. When needed, we may recommend lab work, medical referrals, or communication with other providers to help evaluate possible infectious, immune, metabolic, or inflammatory contributors.
Diagnostic Testing FND
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Functional Neurological Examination
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Video-oculography
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Eye Movement Testing
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Computerized Posturography
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Balance and Coordination Testing
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Sensory-Motor Integration Assessment
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Neuro-Timing Evaluations
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Autonomic / Orthostatic Evaluation
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Primitive Reflex / Developmental Screening
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Cognitive Screening as Needed
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Review of Infection and Immune History
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Lab Work or Additional Referrals as Needed
PANS/PANDAS Treatment
Treatment for PANS/PANDAS is not one-size-fits-all. Because symptoms may involve immune, infectious, neurological, autonomic, behavioral, and sensory systems, care should be individualized to the child.
At CFNC, treatment is based on the child’s examination findings and symptom presentation. Our focus is on supporting healthier nervous system function through targeted neurological rehabilitation, sensory integration, autonomic regulation, and therapies designed to improve communication between the brain and body.
Depending on the child, treatment may include eye movement therapy, vestibular rehabilitation, balance and coordination exercises, timing-based therapies, sensory integration, autonomic retraining, nutritional support, and collaboration with medical providers when infection, inflammation, or immune dysregulation may be involved.
Treatment Methods for PANS/PANDAS
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Neurological Rehabilitation
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Eye Movement Therapy
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Vestibular Rehabilitation
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Balance and Coordination Training
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Sensory Integration Therapy
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Autonomic Retraining
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Primitive Reflex Integration
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Interactive Metronome / Timing-Based Training
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Cognitive Rehabilitation Strategies
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Nutritional Counseling
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Individualized Supplementation
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Collaboration With Medical Providers
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Lab Work or Referral Recommendations as Needed