​Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) and Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infection (PANDAS) are neuroimmune disorders believed to result from a misguided immune response, in which the body attacks the brain following streptococcal (PANDAS) or other common bacterial or viral infections (PANS). These post-infectious inflammatory brain conditions result in multiple debilitating neurological and neuropsychiatric symptoms. Onset may occur days, weeks, or sometimes months after the infection, complicating the critical connection to biological illness. PANS and PANDAS frequently begin with acute and dramatic deterioration in one or more areas of functioning including cognitive, motor, sensory, executive, social, and emotional. This cluster of symptoms is consistent with inflammation in the basal ganglia, a structure in the brain which acts as a hub for the coordination of these same skills. These conditions upend daily life, disrupt development, and become more disabling and chronic over time if the underlying infection, inflammation, and/or immune dysfunction remain unrecognized and untreated. PANS and PANDAS cause incredible suffering for families and immense societal and economic costs for thousands across the US.

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