Decoding PANDAS and PANS: A Functional Medicine Deep Dive

Understanding PANS and PANDAS: A Functional Medicine Approach

Welcome, Well-Rooted readers! Today, we want to dive into the complex yet often misunderstood world of Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) and Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS). Strap in for an enlightening journey through the variations of these conditions and discover how functional medicine offers a unique approach to diagnosis and treatment.

What are PANDAS and PANS?

Let’s start with the basics. PANDAS, or Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections, occurs when a strep infection triggers an autoimmune response that results in inflammation in the basal ganglia of the brain. On the other hand, PANS, or Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome, can be caused by various factors such as viruses, bacteria, mold, Lyme disease, and more, leading to similar neuropsychiatric symptoms.

Symptoms to Watch Out For:

Recognizing PANDAS and PANS can be challenging, especially since the symptoms often overlap with other conditions. However, some key indicators include abrupt onset of OCD-like behaviors, restrictive eating patterns, anxiety, depression, irritability, behavioral regressions, sleep disturbances, and urinary issues.

Diagnosis and Treatment:

Diagnosing PANDAS and PANS is primarily clinical, relying on a thorough assessment of symptoms and history. While lab tests can be beneficial for confirming infections and ruling out other conditions, the focus remains on understanding the patient’s journey and identifying potential triggers. Functional medicine takes a holistic approach, addressing three key aspects:

1. Treating the underlying cause (kill the bug)

2. Reducing inflammation (put out the fire)

3.  Modulating the body’s response to inflammation (teach the body to deal with inflammation appropriately).

Differences in Treatment Approaches:

Conventional medicine often relies on antibiotics, anti-inflammatory drugs, and, in severe cases, IVIG infusions. However, functional medicine offers a more comprehensive strategy that includes herbal supplements, dietary modifications, and lifestyle interventions to support overall health and well-being. By targeting all three prongs of treatment simultaneously, functional medicine aims to address the root cause and prevent future flare-ups.

A Success Story:

One poignant example that stands out to us illustrates the transformative power of functional medicine in treating PANDAS/PANS. A teenage patient of ours struggled with debilitating neuropsychiatric symptoms for over a decade, receiving multiple diagnoses and psychiatric medications. Upon consulting with a us, comprehensive testing revealed elevated strep markers, leading to a tailored treatment plan. Within six months, the patient was off all psychiatric medications and experiencing significant improvements in behavior and mood, offering hope and encouragement to others facing similar challenges! After a decade of getting the run around with no real answers!

Closing Thoughts:

The reality is that PANDAS and PANS are complex conditions that require a nuanced approach to diagnosis and treatment. Functional medicine offers a ray of hope for patients and families by addressing underlying imbalances and promoting holistic healing. By raising awareness and understanding, we can empower individuals to seek the support and care they deserve on their journey to optimal health and wellness.

If you have any questions or would like to share your own experiences, please give us a call or shoot us an email (office@wellrootedpediatrics.com).

Together, we can continue to shine a light on these important issues and foster a community of support and healing. Until next time, stay informed, stay empowered, and stay well!

In case you missed our LIVE Facebook broadcast about PANDAS/PANS with our Nurse Practitioner, Jacki Liggett, check it out below!

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We don’t go to the Crystal Lake Well Rooted anymore since we moved going over to OakBrook. We saw Victoria was absolutely fantastic. She saw my son for the first 9 months of his life, and she not only provided phenomenal care for him, but also for myself as a newly postpartum mom. They are very respectful of your decisions as a parent at Well Rooted, and it’s nice to not feel like you’re being gaslit by medical professionals. I like how they have holistic remedies available for purchase as well. They also provided me references to lactation consultants, chiropractors, etc as well. My son is now almost 2 and thankfully very healthy. We love Well Rooted!

Leann K
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Jessica is the absolute BEST! We brought our newborn daughter to Well-Rooted days after she was born for her first appointment with Jessica and she took excellent care of her/us. Extremely informative and made us feel very comfortable with any questions we had. We are very confident in our choice with Well-Rooted and are going to continue to see Jessica as long as we live in the area. Highly recommended!

Groom
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We love Well-Rooted Pediatrics. On every visit I feel like Jessica listens to my concerns and cares about my opinions on things regarding my kids. She looks at the whole child and treats the body from the inside out while still knowing there’s a time and place for medicine. With this approach I absolutely trust her and the care she provides for my four kids. Highly recommend, your family will love her too!!

Kristina E
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We love Victoria. She listens to any concerns or questions, doesn’t push any agendas, cares for our baby gently with confidence, patience, and respect. I recommend well rooted to any parents looking for a natural professional care for their babies.

Michelle J
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Jessica and her staff at Well Rooted Pediatrics are very friendly and accommodating. We were welcomed with a smile and Jessica is very knowledgeable and thorough. Awesome practice!

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