Are tics caused by PANDAS? How do you find out?

amother

Wed, Jun 14 2023, 11:48 pm

How do you know if a child has pandas? Is there a specific type of dr that diagnoses it? or does a regular ped do that?
Can someone recommend a good dr who I can go to in Brooklyn if I suspect pandas?
Another q- is it possible/likely that tics alone can be from pandas even if all else is ok? Like no crazy behaviors or anxiety..etc.. all around a good kid just lot of vocal tics/sounds.
Could it be something else? Anyone with experience...
Thank you!

amother

Mintgreen

Thu, Jun 15 2023, 1:44 pm

amother OP wrote:

There are many causes for tics. Pandas and pans is one, but there are others as well. One thing is for sure, there’s always a cause. To know if brain inflammation plays a role, you can try giving ibuprophen and Benadryl around the clock for minimum 3 days. If they improve or go away, you’ll know that inflammation is playing a role. Ime it can be pandas/pans/brain inflammation even when no other symptoms are present. Sometimes tics are an early sign before other symptoms set in. Keep in mind that sometimes there are other symptoms present but they are subtle and not picked up on.

Regarding a diagnosis, it’s really made just based on symptoms alone, which is why a dr needs to be really well versed to make the call. Some pediatricians are more willing to run some tests and trial some treatment and some less so. Unfortunately, to see an actual pandas specialist you’d likely need to pay out of pocket.