PANS Treatment

Daniel Shtraykher, DO, FAAP, and his team may be able to help with PANS treatment if you’ve noticed sudden changes in your child’s behavior, such as becoming anxious, prone to emotional outbursts or rituals, or struggling to eat.. Pediatric Neuro-Immune Care in the Midwood neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York, offers comprehensive care for Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome, or PANS, in a space that makes you and your child feel comfortable. To learn more or book an evaluation, call Pediatric Neuro-Immune Care or request an appointment online.

What is PANS?

PANS (Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) is a group of symptoms that occur together, particularly if a child exhibits the sudden and dramatic onset of behaviors associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or stops eating normally.

Children with PANS may also exhibit anxiety, mood swings, sleep disturbances, tics, or regression in motor skills or school performance. Many children with PANS get misdiagnosed as struggling with behavioral or mental disorders while the underlying triggers go untreated.

What causes PANS?

PANS can have multiple causes and overlap with conditions like Chronic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (CIRS). It may be triggered by an abnormal immune response to an infection or inflammation, such as:

• Mycoplasma pneumoniae
• Lyme disease
• Influenza or other viruses

Other non-infectious triggers might include:

• Environmental stressors
• Metabolic imbalances
• Environmental toxins

If your child has had strep throat and exhibited concerning symptoms, Pediatric Neuro-Immune Care offers PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal infections) treatment.

What are the symptoms of PANS?

Symptoms appear suddenly and severely, often within 24 to 48 hours. The core symptoms include severe food restriction and compulsions like hand washing or intrusive thoughts. These are often accompanied by symptoms like:

• Anxiety or panic attacks
• Mood swings, irritability, or depression
• Regression, such as baby talk or bed-wetting
• Sensory sensitivities
• Motor or vocal tics
• Sleep disturbances
• Cognitive issues
• Urinary frequency or incontinence

It can feel like your child has changed overnight from thriving to struggling functioning.

What can I expect from PANS treatment?

Dr. Shtraykher doesn’t focus on a single trigger when starting your child’s treatment; he tests for underlying causes of their symptoms.

Unlike PANDAS, which is triggered specifically by strep, PANS symptoms follow various triggers ranging from infections to mold exposure (particularly in environments with water damage) or other inflammatory stresses. 

Dr. Shtraykher provides personalized testing and treatments, such as antibiotics, antiviral medications, or anti-inflammatory medications, if your child didn’t test positive for strep but is still experiencing PANS-like symptoms.

He may also recommend:

• Immune modulation
• Prescription medications
• Nutritional support

Family education and support are critical. The Pediatric Neuro-Immune Care team has experience to guide you and your child through evidence-based, step-by-step care that’s effective without being overwhelming.

If you suspect your child might have PANS, trust your instincts and document symptoms, triggers, and changes in behavior. Contact Pediatric Neuro-Immune Care by phone or online today to get the expert evaluation and care your child needs.