Acute postinfectious movement and psychiatric disorders in children and adolescents

J Child Neurol. 2011 Feb;26(2):214-7. doi: 10.1177/0883073810378534. Epub 2010 Nov 22.

Abstract

The authors report 4 children and adolescents who had the acute onset of a movement and psychiatric disorder after a febrile illness. The differential diagnosis includes poststreptococcal syndromes (Sydenham chorea, pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders associated with streptococcal infection [PANDAS], acute disseminated encephalomyelitis) and other postinfectious conditions. Their cases illustrate difficulties in making an accurate diagnosis and determining proper therapy and they recommend a standard diagnostic approach. More research is needed to clarify the nature, causes, and appropriate treatment of these types of disorders.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Child
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Disorders / etiology*
  • Movement Disorders / etiology*
  • Streptococcal Infections / complications*
  • Streptococcal Infections / psychology
  • Young Adult