New Findings Bring Insights into PANDAS/PANS

Research and awareness of PANDAS/PANS are crucial for preparing health care providers with the best medical knowledge to help patients and their families.

PANDAS is the acronym for Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections. PANS is the acronym for Pediatric Acute Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome.

Both are associated with post-infectious basal ganglia encephalitis (BGE).

Recent studies have produced insights into the nature of autoimmune basal ganglia encephalitis.

New Columbia University research shows how the immune response to strep throat triggers the blood-brain barrier breakdown in post-infectious basal ganglia encephalitis (BGE). This highlights the need for early diagnosis and treatment for better outcomes in children affected by PANDAS/PANS.