The New England PANS/PANDAS Association (1) describes PANS and PANDAS as:
“A misdirected immune response, often with an encephalitic onset, which negatively affects neurologic functioning, resulting in rapid, acute onset of OCD, and/or restricted food intake along with at least two additional neuropsychiatric symptoms”.
PANDAS stands for Paediatric Autoimmune and Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcus.
PANS stands for Paediatric Acute Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome.
PANDAS/PANS generally affects children between the ages of 4 to 13 years and is the result of a deranged immune system, and presents with symptoms such as:
- OCD and Tics
- Anxiety
- Anger outbursts and aggression
- Obsessive thinking – rigid thoughts and perfectionism
- ADHD
- Sensory issues
- Frequent urination
- Balance issues
- Difficulty making simple decisions
- Poor short term memory
- Loss of math skills
- Decline in Handwriting skills (Dysgraphia)
- Restricted food intake due to concerns of germs or contamination
- Poor executive functioning skills
PANDAS/PANS Disease Prognosis
Understanding PANDAS/PANS: Diagnosis & Treatment
The diagnosis and prognosis of PANDAS/PANS involve a combination of blood tests—particularly assessing streptococcus antibody titers—alongside a thorough evaluation of symptoms, although this is not the only definitive approach. In some cases testing methods do not actually reveal a diagnosis, but PANS/PANDAS can also be worked with, without diagnosis! The diagnostic criteria covers symptom presentation as opposed to only blood or stool testing.
The impact of this condition varies from child to child. Symptom flares are common and are often triggered by exposure to streptococcus, other bacteria, viruses, parasites or allergens to which the child is susceptible.
While ongoing antibiotic treatment for PANDAS can help manage symptoms, it does not address the underlying cause of the immune system dysfunction. Potential root causes may include:
- Toxicity
- Gut dysfunction from prolonged antibiotic use
- A family history of autoimmune conditions
- Exposure to mosquito born virus
- Disordered immune system due to pharmaceutical drugs, environmental toxins and/or stress
Unlike antibiotics and other interventions, homeopathy works with the immune system—also known as the Vital Force—with the goal of strengthening it and gradually reducing symptom severity over time.
The Impact on Families & Alternative Approaches
PANDAS/PANS can place immense stress on families, often leaving them desperate for a return to normalcy. Many parents find it challenging to adhere to biomedical treatment plans, as managing multiple supplements can become overwhelming.
While certain dietary modifications and supplements may provide support, deeper healing is often possible through individualized homeopathic treatment, which aims to restore balance and treat PANDAS naturally.
Outcomes with Homeopathy
Although there is no single approach to treating PANS/PANDAS, homeopathy has proven highly effective in restoring health for many children. Parents often ask how long the healing process will take, but it is difficult to predict, as unraveling a history of autoimmunity and ill health varies for each child.
Some children experience immediate improvements after a remedy, while for others, progress unfolds over several months—often around 6 – 9 months. Once parents begin to see positive changes, it is highly encouraged to commit to the full course of treatment to restore the immune system and Vital Force to a state of lasting balance.
OUR APPROACH
Sarah has worked with GPs in supporting children and their families with PANDAS and PANS and has found positive outcomes when both modalities have been integrated.
Firstly, the assessment of the particular sensitivities of the child as well as the relevant antibodies that show in the bloodwork is the first step to understanding what is going on and which pathogens the child is reacting too. In PANS, it can also be allergens such as dust, cats, dogs, pollens that can set off a ‘flare’.
Secondly, the homeopathic assessment of the child is thoroughly explored. This includes any triggers that might have set off the condition. The specific tics or OCD symptoms are taken as well as any other predominant symptoms. Habits, characteristics and behaviours are noted, as well as any observations of what makes the condition worse, or what triggers the susceptibility to the pathogen/allergen, as well as what seems to make things better to assist with treating PANDAS naturally.
Thirdly, overall health is examined, including gastrointestinal symptoms, respiratory symptoms, skin symptoms, headaches or other neurological symptoms, as well as past health history. In this category, we also look at thirst, food cravings and aversions, and thermals (preference for heat or cold).
Fourth – the family health history is considered in order to address the inherited qualities that may lend themselves to this susceptibility.
Detoxing or desensitisation to a pathogen/allergen is usually interspersed into the treatment plan.
Extra Tests Ordered
1. Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis (HTMA) – Where necessary, there may be a heavy metal load or a frank mineral deficiency that needs to be alleviated. Without supporting the physical body with the appropriate supplements, it can be difficult to move forward.
2. Complete GI Mapping Stool Test – Leaky gut, dysbiosis or parasitosis can lead to further complications that prevent a child from moving forward. This is the most comprehensive stool test available and the results of this test assist in informing a complete treatment plan.
3. Food sensitivity testing – Consuming foods that are not compatible can cause inflammation, dysbiosis and lead to psychological symptoms that relate to leaky gut or the function of the gut.
The link between the gut and the brain is heavily researched and we know that where there is leaky gut there may also be leaky brain – leading to psychological symptoms. This test detects specific foods that your child may be reacting negatively to.
Other tests where relevant may be ordered.
REFERENCES
(1) The New England PANS/PANDAS Association www.nepans.org
Book an Appointment for a PANS Disease Prognosis
While there are no homeopathic cures for PANDAS and no PANS disease cure available, steps can be taken to manage symptoms and provide support for treating PANDAS naturally. Use our online booking system or call The Family Apothecary on 0408 542 762 to book an appointment for a PANDA/PANS disease prognosis.
