Glossary

PANS and PANDAS care touches multiple specialties: immunology, psychiatry, rheumatology, neurology, pediatrics. Each brings its own vocabulary. Here are the terms you are most likely to encounter, in plain language.

PANS

Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome. The broader umbrella term for sudden-onset neuropsychiatric symptoms in children, regardless of trigger.

PANDAS

Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal infections. A specific subtype of PANS where the trigger is strep.

Basal ganglia

A set of structures deep in the brain involved in movement, behavior, and emotional regulation. In PANS and PANDAS, this is the area most affected by inflammation.

Group A strep (GABHS)

Group A beta-hemolytic Streptococcus, the bacteria that causes strep throat and is the trigger in PANDAS.

ASO titer

Anti-Streptolysin O. A blood test that measures antibodies your immune system made against a recent strep infection. Useful when a throat culture was negative or never done.

Anti-DNase B titer

Another strep antibody blood test. Often run alongside ASO because some children produce one but not the other. Either positive result supports a recent strep infection.

Asymptomatic carrier

A child who tests positive for strep without feeling sick. Roughly 10 to 15 percent of healthy children carry strep without symptoms.

Mycoplasma

A bacterial infection (often respiratory) that can also trigger PANS.

IVIG

Intravenous immunoglobulin. A blood-derived treatment that provides healthy antibodies and modulates the immune response. Used for moderate-to-severe PANS.

Plasmapheresis (PEX)

Therapeutic plasma exchange. Filters the blood to remove the antibodies driving inflammation. Reserved for severe cases.

Rituximab

A medication that suppresses certain immune cells (B cells). Sometimes used in severe or treatment-resistant cases.

Autoimmune encephalitis

A broader category of brain inflammation caused by the immune system attacking brain tissue. PANS and PANDAS are sometimes considered to be within this family.

Sydenham chorea

A movement disorder following strep infection. Long recognized by medicine and conceptually related to PANDAS.

OCD

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Unwanted intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors performed to relieve anxiety (compulsions).

ARFID

Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder. Sudden severe food restriction is a hallmark of PANS. Many children who are diagnosed with ARFID have undiagnosed PANS.

ESR / CRP

Erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein. Blood tests that measure general inflammation. Often run as part of a workup.

504 plan

A school accommodations plan under U.S. federal law (Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act). Used to formalize support like extra time, reduced homework, or sensory breaks for a child with a medical condition.

IEP

Individualized Education Program. A more comprehensive special-education plan than a 504, for children whose condition affects their educational performance.

Flare

A sudden worsening of symptoms, often triggered by a new infection, stress, or other immune event. Tracking the timing of flares is one of the most useful things parents can do.