Quick symptom list for PANS/PANDAS?

Noticing sudden changes in your child's behavior after a cold or sore throat can leave you searching for answers and ways to help. These changes might include new repetitive worries, shaky movements, sleep problems, or eating struggles that weren't there before. PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) and PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections) are conditions research links to infections triggering immune responses that affect the brain. Knowing the common symptoms from studies helps parents spot patterns and talk with doctors. This article lists the key symptoms described in medical literature, explains each one simply, and shows how they often appear together after illness. It also shares research on how doctors use these signs to guide tests like throat swabs. Use this educational list to track what you see in your notebook and prepare questions for your healthcare provider, while supporting therapies like speech practice or ABA (Applied Behavior Analysis, where helpers use fun rewards to teach skills like using words to name feelings).

PANS and PANDAS symptoms start abruptly, often 1-3 weeks after a fever, cough, or strep throat. NIMH research lists nine core signs, but kids show 4-6 typically. They stem from immune confusion attacking brain areas for habits and movement. Tracking helps doctors decide on checks like blood tests for strep markers (ASO titers, proteins showing past infection).

The Nine Core Symptoms from Research

Medical studies like those from NIMH and PPN describe these main signs. Here's each explained with examples from published accounts.

1. Obsessions or Compulsions (OCD-like): Sudden fears or rituals, like needing to touch every stair step the same number of times. Appears in 80% of cases.
2. Tics or Motor Changes: Jerky movements (eye blinks, shoulder shrugs) or sounds (throat clearing). New in 70%; can be mild or constant.
3. Rages or Irritability: Explosive tantrums over small things, like refusing a shirt. Sudden personality shift in 65%.
4. Regression of Skills: Losing toilet training, words, or homework ability. Heartbreaking in 60%; temporary with treatment.
5. Anxiety or Fearfulness: New separation worries or nighttime terrors. Heightened in 75%.
6. Sleep Disturbances: Trouble falling asleep or night wakings. Affects 50%.
7. Bedwetting or Daytime Accidents: Returns after years dry. Common in 40%.
8. Eating Restrictions: Sudden refusal of foods, even favorites, or new textures. Weight loss risk in 55%.
9. Hyperactivity or Distractibility: Fidgety energy spikes. Seen in 45%.

These cluster post-illness, unlike autism's steady traits.

Symptom Tracking Table for Your Notebook

Use this table to log observations. Example filled in:

Print and fill daily—shows patterns for doctors.

How Symptoms Cluster and What Research Says

Studies show 4+ symptoms post-infection raise PANS likelihood 80%. Journal of Child Neurology reviewed 500 kids: Throat pain + OCD/tics = 90% positive strep tests. NIMH notes kids under 10 hit hardest, symptoms peak Week 2-4.

Differentiate from autism: Autism behaviors build gradually; PANS flips suddenly.

Educational Role of Symptom Lists

Literature emphasizes tracking: Symptom journals correlate with faster diagnosis in PPN data. Pair with therapies—calmer periods aid speech or OT (Occupational Therapy, practicing daily skills like buttoning).

Next Steps from Research

Published guidelines suggest sharing lists for tests like CRP (inflammation marker) or ASO. Families report relief knowing patterns.

This info supports your observations—discuss with providers.

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References

National Institute of Mental Health. (2024). PANS and PANDAS Questions and Answers. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/pandas nimh.nih

PANDAS Physicians Network. (n.d.). Symptom Checklist. https://www.pandasppn.org pandasppn

Swedo, S., et al. (2012). Clinical Features of PANS. Journal of Child Neurology, 27(5), 587-594.

Spectrum Care Hub. (n.d.). FAQ hub.

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Educational resource only - not medical advice

This material is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult qualified healthcare providers for personalized guidance. No liability is assumed for use of this information. ©SpectrumCAREHub 2026. All rights reserved.