We have not. I have poked around about it. I have read it is strep B that is often associated with PANDA, and you can get a test fairly easily for strep B however it turns out that a negative doesn’t necessarily mean there isn’t a strep B infection (because of where it resides in the body/brain) and doesn’t rule out PANDA. I believe you usually need a naturopathic MD in order to get through the PANDA diagnosis process because few regular MDs have the persistence to get you through it. Update us on what you find out please ♥️

I'll definitely keep everyone updated, once we start the process with testing

https://autism.org/pans-pandas-in-children-with...

Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) is a disorder characterized by the sudden, dramatic onset of obsessive-compulsive symptoms (OCD) or restricted eating in children. Often triggered by infections or immune dysfunction, it causes severe behavioral regression, anxiety, and irritability. PANDAS is a specific subtype triggered by strep.

Key Aspects of PANS
Initial Symptoms: Sudden, "overnight" onset of OCD, severe anxiety, or food restriction.
Associated Symptoms: Behavioral regression, emotional lability (irritability/sadness), irritability/aggression, school performance decline, sensory/motor abnormalities, and insomnia.
Causes: Believed to be an autoimmune response where antibodies misfire, causing brain inflammation, often triggered by infections like influenza, mycoplasma, or strep.
Duration/Course: PANS is often episodic, with symptoms appearing suddenly, waxing and waning over time, or staying consistent until treated.
Treatment: A multi-pronged approach involving treating the underlying infection (antibiotics/antivirals), reducing brain inflammation (steroids/NSAIDs), and behavioral therapy.

PANS is a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning other medical causes for the symptoms must be ruled out first.

https://med.stanford.edu/pans.html

Key Connections Between PANS/PANDAS and Autism
Distinct Differences: PANS is characterized by an abrupt, "overnight" onset of symptoms (OCD, food restriction, tics), whereas autism is a developmental condition present from early childhood.
Overlapping Symptoms: Both conditions can present with anxiety, mood swings, sensory sensitivities, and behavioral regressions.
Co-occurrence: Studies suggest a significant subset of children with autism may also suffer from PANS/PANDAS, leading to diagnostic challenges.
Trigger Mechanism: PANS/PANDAS is thought to be triggered by infections (like strep) or immune system issues causing inflammation in the brain.

Management and Treatment
Managing both conditions requires a multidisciplinary approach:
Infection Control: Antibiotics (e.g., penicillin, azithromycin) are used for strep-related PANDAS.
Immune System Support: Anti-inflammatory medication or immunomodulatory therapies (e.g., IVIG, steroids) to address neuroinflammation.
Behavioral Therapy: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) are crucial for managing OCD and anxiety.

PANS/PANDAS in Children with Autism

https://autism.org/pans-pandas-in-children-with-autism/

PANS

https://med.stanford.edu/pans.html