Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) and Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) are two conditions that can wreak havoc on a child’s life and leave parents feeling desperate for answers.
However, there is hope.
At Hope for Healing in Houston and The Woodlands, we come alongside families struggling with PANS/PANDAS, offering a personalized approach to healing through functional medicine. We identify underlying infections, support the immune system, and address neurological symptoms. It’s time for answers.
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PANS and PANDAS are complex neuropsychiatric disorders that primarily affect children and adolescents. They are characterized by a sudden and dramatic onset of neuropsychiatric symptoms, often accompanied by obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or tic disorders.
PANS can be triggered by various infections, environmental factors, or even metabolic imbalances, while PANDAS is specifically associated with streptococcal infections. Both conditions share commonalities, including abrupt symptom onset, severe anxiety, mood swings, and cognitive disturbances.
Cases of PANS/PANDAS are relatively rare, affecting less than 1% of children in the US. However, that doesn’t mean you should ignore the symptoms. At Hope for Healing in Houston and The Woodlands, we will get to the root cause of whatever is causing your child discomfort. It’s why so many parents trust our pediatric services.
The following symptoms might be signs of PANS/PANDAS.
Children with PANS/PANDAS may exhibit sudden and extreme changes in behavior, such as mood swings, irritability, aggression, and emotional instability.
OCD-like symptoms can manifest as obsessions (repeated, distressing thoughts) and compulsions (repetitive behaviors performed to alleviate anxiety). These can interfere with a child’s daily life.
Tics, sudden and involuntary muscle movements, or vocalizations are common in PANS/PANDAS cases. They can range from mild to severe.
Some children may experience a regression in developmental milestones, including loss of previously acquired skills, such as toileting, handwriting, or language.
Heightened sensitivities to light, sound, and touch can be overwhelming for children with PANS/PANDAS.
Symptoms such as insomnia, frequent awakenings, and night terrors are often reported by parents.
The prospect of recovery from PANS/PANDAS may seem daunting, but early intervention and the right treatment approach can make a significant difference in a child’s life. Catching the condition in its earliest stages is crucial, as it can prevent the disorder from progressing and causing further damage. While it may not always be possible to completely reverse the effects of PANS/PANDAS, many children can experience significant improvements and lead fulfilling lives with the appropriate treatment.
Hope for Healing embraces functional medicine, which takes a holistic and patient-centered approach to address the underlying causes of PANS/PANDAS rather than merely managing symptoms. This approach focuses on identifying and addressing imbalances within the body’s systems, including the immune, digestive, and neurological systems, which may contribute to the development or exacerbation of these conditions.
Functional medicine practitioners conduct thorough evaluations, looking at a child’s medical history, environmental exposures, genetic factors, and potential triggers to create a personalized treatment plan.
Specialized laboratory tests identify specific imbalances or abnormalities in the child’s body, such as inflammation, immune dysfunction, or gut dysbiosis.
Functional medicine places a strong emphasis on the role of nutrition in healing. Dietary interventions include eliminating trigger foods and incorporating nutrient-rich options, which can play a vital role in recovery.
PANS/PANDAS are often linked to immune dysregulation. Functional medicine aims to modulate the immune system through strategies like immunomodulatory therapies and addressing underlying infections.
Gut-brain axis dysfunction is common in these conditions. Restoring gut health through dietary changes and supplements can have a profound impact on symptom improvement.
Supporting the body’s natural detoxification processes can help remove toxins contributing to neuroinflammation.
Sleep hygiene, stress management, and addressing environmental toxins are integral parts of functional medicine for PANS/PANDAS.
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