PANDAS Treatment

If your child has overcome a strep infection but now struggles with sleeping, eating, or managing their emotions, Daniel Shtraykher, DO, FAAP, and his team offer PANDAS treatment at Pediatric Neuro-Immune Care in Brooklyn’s Midwood neighborhood in New York City. Dr. Shtraykher can help you get the clinical diagnosis and personalized care you need to address concerning emotional and behavioral symptoms like restricted food intake and unusual obsessions. Call the New York office or book your consultation online today.

What is PANDAS?

While the name is cuddly, PANDAS stands for Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections. Approximately 1 in 200 American children are diagnosed with PANDAS.

This complex condition is a subset of PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) and results from a strep infection triggering your child’s immune system to attack their brain.

PANDAS can be challenging to diagnose, but Dr. Shtraykher and the skilled team at Pediatric Neuro-Immune Care possess the expertise necessary to provide vital medical interventions and support. They can ensure what to watch for and provide treatment if your child shows concerning symptoms.

What are the symptoms of PANDAS?

A feature of PANDAS is the abrupt onset of symptoms. Most commonly, children demonstrate obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or struggle with intrusive thoughts. They may also restrict the amount of food they eat. Other possible symptoms include:

• Depression
• Irritability
• Deterioration in school work or handwriting
• Oppositional behaviors
• Emotional instability
• Aggression
• Anxiety
• Sensory abnormalities
• Regression in capabilities
• Sleep disturbances
• Urinary frequency

They may have a fever, involuntary movements, joint pain, or swelling. Since the primary symptoms are OCD behaviors or tics, many children with PANS are misdiagnosed with solely psychiatric disorders, leaving the underlying causes untreated.

How is PANDAS diagnosed?

Dr. Shtraykher performs a thorough evaluation. Because PANS and PANDAS can have a range of triggers, and the symptoms can also apply to other conditions, he carefully gathers data about your child’s symptoms, medical history, and overall health. He may diagnose PANDAS if your child:

• Has OCD and/or tics
• Showed symptoms starting between the ages of 3 and puberty
• Has symptoms that disappear and then come back stronger
• Had strep throat around the time their symptoms started
• Is hyperactive

Your child may not show symptoms beyond OCD or tics if they have PANDAS, but other signs are often present.

What can my child and I expect from PANDAS treatment?

Dr. Shtraykher provides personalized therapies for PANDAS. Your child’s care plan may include:

• Antibiotics to clear up lingering strep infection
• Corticosteroids
• Anti-Inflammatories
• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Low doses of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) medication to manage eating issues, OCD, or anxiety

The good news about PANDAS is that children can make a full recovery, especially if they get prompt medical care. If your child shows symptoms of PANDAS, don’t delay. Contact Pediatric Neuro-Immune Care by phone or online today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Shtraykher.