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Writer's pictureEmae Wiles

Understanding PANS/PANDAS: A Functional Medicine Approach to Healing

PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) and PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections) are conditions that cause sudden and often dramatic changes in children’s behavior, mood, and motor skills. They are classified as autoimmune disorders that arise when the immune system mistakenly attacks the brain, leading to neuroinflammation and significant psychiatric symptoms.

We will explore what PANS and PANDAS are, the differences between the two, their causes, signs and symptoms, conventional treatments, and how a functional medicine approach can help address these complex conditions.

What Are PANS and PANDAS?

PANS is a broad diagnosis that includes sudden onset of psychiatric symptoms, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), tics, or anxiety, triggered by an infection or environmental factor. It is not restricted to a specific type of infection and can result from viruses, bacterial infections, environmental toxins, or even mold exposure.

PANDAS, on the other hand, is a subset of PANS and is more specific, occurring after a streptococcal infection such as strep throat. The body’s immune response to the strep bacteria mistakenly targets the brain, resulting in neuropsychiatric symptoms similar to those of PANS.

What Causes PANS/PANDAS?

The root cause of both conditions lies in the body’s immune response. Normally, the immune system fights off infections, but in the case of PANS and PANDAS, the immune response becomes misdirected, leading to brain inflammation. This autoimmune reaction is thought to attack parts of the brain like the basal ganglia, which play a role in motor control, behavior, and emotions.

For PANDAS, the trigger is specifically group A streptococcal infection. In contrast, PANS can be triggered by a variety of infections, such as mycoplasma pneumoniae, Lyme disease, Epstein-Barr virus, or even non-infectious environmental factors like mold or toxins.

Signs and Symptoms of PANS/PANDAS

One of the defining characteristics of PANS and PANDAS is the sudden onset of symptoms. Children who were previously well may experience a rapid, overnight change in behavior or mood. Common signs and symptoms include:

  • Obsessive-compulsive behaviors or new tics

  • Severe anxiety or panic attacks

  • Emotional outbursts, irritability, or mood swings

  • Sudden academic decline or trouble focusing

  • Regression in motor skills or handwriting

  • Sleep disturbances

  • Separation anxiety

  • Urinary frequency or bedwetting

  • Sensitivity to light or sounds

Children often exhibit multiple symptoms at once, and the severity can range from mild to debilitating. The sudden onset and rapid progression can be extremely distressing for both the child and their family.

Conventional Treatment Options

Conventional medicine approaches the treatment of PANS/PANDAS through a combination of antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, and psychiatric drugs to manage symptoms.

  1. Antibiotics: Since PANDAS is associated with strep infections, antibiotics are often prescribed to eliminate any lingering infection. In cases of PANS triggered by other infections, targeted antimicrobials may be used.

  2. Anti-inflammatories: Medications like ibuprofen or steroids are used to reduce inflammation in the brain. In severe cases, IVIG (intravenous immunoglobulin) therapy or plasmapheresis (a process to filter the blood and remove harmful antibodies) may be recommended to reset the immune system.

  3. Psychiatric medications: Medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), antipsychotics, or anxiety medications may be prescribed to help manage the neuropsychiatric symptoms, although they do not address the underlying cause of the disorder.

While these treatments can offer short-term relief, they often fall short of addressing the root cause and may lead to relapses when the medication is discontinued.

Functional Medicine Approach to PANS/PANDAS

A functional medicine approach looks deeper into the root causes of PANS and PANDAS, focusing not only on managing symptoms but also on restoring the body’s ability to heal. Functional medicine aims to support the immune system, reduce inflammation, address gut health, and nourish the brain through diet and supplements.

Here’s how functional medicine addresses PANS and PANDAS:

1. Address the Underlying Infection

Since PANS and PANDAS are triggered by infections, a key step in treatment is identifying and addressing the root infection. Functional medicine practitioners use comprehensive testing to pinpoint specific infections, whether they are viral, bacterial, or fungal.

Treatment may involve the use of natural antimicrobials like herbal antivirals or antibacterials, alongside immune support to help the body effectively clear the infection. This is often done in conjunction with targeted antibiotics when necessary.

2. Support Gut Health and the Immune System

The health of the gut is intricately linked to the health of the immune system. In functional medicine, healing the gut is a key step in managing autoimmune and neuropsychiatric disorders like PANS/PANDAS. Functional medicine focuses on repairing the gut lining through an anti-inflammatory diet, which may include eliminating gluten, dairy, sugar, and processed foods that can exacerbate inflammation. Probiotics, prebiotics, and other gut-healing supplements are often used to restore gut integrity and promote a healthy balance of gut bacteria. The immune system is supported through immune molecules and immunoglobulins.

By supporting gut health and the immune system, functional medicine helps calm the immune system and reduce systemic inflammation, which is crucial for managing PANS and PANDAS.

3. Reduce Inflammation

Chronic inflammation in the brain (neuroinflammation) is a hallmark of both PANS and PANDAS. Functional medicine uses various strategies to reduce inflammation, such as:

  • Anti-inflammatory supplements.

  • Dietary interventions that focus on anti-inflammatory foods, such as a Mediterranean diet rich in fruits, vegetables, healthy fats, and lean proteins.

  • Ensuring adequate hydration and reducing exposure to environmental toxins that can trigger inflammation.

These strategies help bring down inflammation in the brain and body, relieving symptoms and supporting long-term healing.

4. Support the Brain with Diet and Supplements

A key focus in functional medicine is supporting the brain’s health through proper nutrition and targeted supplementation. Neurotransmitter imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, and oxidative stress can all contribute to the psychiatric and cognitive symptoms seen in PANS/PANDAS.

  • Nutritional support: A nutrient-dense diet rich in healthy fats, protein, and antioxidants helps fuel the brain and reduce oxidative stress. Nutrients such as magnesium, B vitamins, vitamin D, and zinc are critical for brain health.

  • Supplements: Specific supplements like omega-3s can support cognitive function and improve mood regulation.

  • Detoxification support: Removing toxins that may exacerbate inflammation or oxidative stress can be part of the protocol, ensuring the body’s detox pathways are functioning optimally.

5. Homeopathy for PANS/PANDAS

Homeopathy offers a gentle and individualized approach to addressing the root causes of PANS/PANDAS. By using highly diluted natural substances, homeopathy aims to stimulate the body’s own healing mechanisms. Each child’s presentation of PANS/PANDAS is unique, so the homeopathic remedy is tailored to their specific symptoms, emotional state, and overall health profile.


In functional medicine, homeopathy is seen as a powerful tool for supporting the immune system, reducing emotional and physical stress, and helping the body recover from infections and inflammation without harsh side effects. Remedies can assist in calming neurological symptoms, supporting the body’s detoxification processes, and improving emotional balance. Incorporating homeopathy alongside other treatments allows for a more holistic and comprehensive approach to healing in PANS/PANDAS.

This non-invasive, individualized approach can offer much-needed relief for children struggling with fluctuating symptoms and help support the overall treatment plan.


The Role of SNP Testing and Genetic Optimization in PANS/PANDAS Care

A critical component of addressing PANS/PANDAS through functional medicine is understanding each individual’s unique genetic makeup. SNP testing (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism testing) provides insights into genetic variations that can influence how a person’s body responds to inflammation, infections, detoxification, and immune function.

For children with PANS/PANDAS, specific genetic variations can impact their immune response, inflammation regulation, and even their ability to clear infections. By analyzing these genetic markers, a practitioner can create a personalized care plan that is tailored to their unique needs, making treatment more effective.

For example, some children may have SNPs that affect methylation, a process crucial for brain function, detoxification, and immune regulation. Others may have variations that hinder the body’s ability to process certain vitamins, minerals, or medications. Genetically optimizing a plan of care allows for targeted interventions, such as using specific supplements that support detox pathways, or adjusting diet and treatments to accommodate genetic weaknesses.

This personalized approach helps to reduce inflammation, improve immune function, and support neurological health, which can make a significant difference in the long-term management of PANS/PANDAS. With SNP testing, the care plan becomes more than just symptom management—it becomes a blueprint for restoring health based on the individual’s unique genetic profile.

Conclusion

PANS and PANDAS are complex conditions that can greatly impact a child's well-being and daily life. While conventional treatments offer temporary relief, a functional medicine approach digs deeper to address the root causes, promoting long-term healing. By focusing on comprehensive testing, gut health, immune support, inflammation reduction, and brain health, functional medicine offers a holistic path to recovery. At Harvest Wellness Studio, we specialize in creating personalized care plans through advanced SNP testing and genetic optimization to help children with PANS/PANDAS heal at a deeper level.

If your child is struggling with PANS/PANDAS, we can help. Our team is dedicated to uncovering the root causes of your child’s symptoms and providing a customized path to better health. Book a free 15-minute consultation today and discover how our holistic, personalized approach can support your child’s healing journey.

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