**1. Sensory Sensitivities:** Some children with PANDAS develop heightened sensitivities to their environment. Sounds might seem louder, lights brighter, or textures more pronounced. This can lead to discomfort in settings they were previously okay with, like a bustling classroom or a family gathering.
**2. Sleep Disturbances:** Sleep becomes a battleground. This could manifest as insomnia, frequent night awakenings, or even nightmares. Some children might also exhibit sleep-related movements like restless leg syndrome.
**3. Urinary Issues:** It might come as a surprise, but urinary problems are a noted symptom. Children might suddenly start bedwetting after having been dry for a long time, or feel the urge to urinate frequently, even if they’ve just been to the bathroom.
**4. Tics:** While tics are sometimes associated more with conditions like Tourette Syndrome, they can also emerge in PANDAS. These involuntary movements or sounds can vary from simple eye blinking to more complex sequences.
**5. Handwriting Changes:** Parents and teachers might notice a decline in a child’s handwriting or motor skills. Tasks that require coordination, like buttoning a shirt, might become challenging.
**6. Hyperactivity:** Beyond the realm of typical childhood energy, some children with PANDAS might display marked hyperactivity, finding it hard to sit still or focus on a task for extended periods.
Recognizing these symptoms is essential, as they can easily be misattributed to other childhood disorders or developmental phases. While not every child with PANDAS will exhibit these symptoms, understanding their possibility helps in painting a fuller picture of the condition.
If your child starts to display any of these symptoms, especially if they emerge suddenly, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional. Recognizing and addressing PANDAS early can make a significant difference in treatment outcomes.
Our journey into PANDAS continues, as we aim to equip families with knowledge and understanding. Stay with us as we explore further into the intricacies of PANDAS, its impact, and the hope that lies in effective interventions.