Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) and Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) usually occur after an infection – most commonly a strep infection. Brain inflammation occurs when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy brain cells, leading to an autoimmune process that affects the functioning of the central nervous system. The symptoms of PANS and PANDAS are almost identical.

The severity of symptoms and the onset of PANS and PANDAS can vary from patient to patient. But the symptoms usually present suddenly and intensely. Symptoms may disappear for extended periods then reappear, presenting in what is known as an episodic manner.

Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS)

Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) is a clinical diagnosis given to children who have a dramatic – sometimes overnight – onset of neuropsychiatric symptoms including obsessions/compulsions or food restriction. They are often diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) or an eating disorder, but the sudden onset of symptoms separates PANS from these other disorders. In addition, they may have symptoms of depression, irritability, anxiety, and have difficulty with schoolwork.

The cause of PANS in most cases is unknown, but is thought to be triggered by infections, inefficient detoxification pathways, metabolic disturbances, and other inflammatory reactions. Some PANS cases have been linked to infections such as: Lyme disease, mono-nucleosis, mycoplasma (walking pneumonia) and the flu (such as H1N1).

Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS)

Like PANS, children with Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) have an acute onset – within 2 to 3 days – of neuropsychiatric symptoms, specifically OCD or tics (involuntary, purposeless movements). However, PANDAS patients test positive for a recent streptococcal infection, such as strep throat, peri-anal strep or scarlet fever. Like PANS patients, they also may suffer from uncontrollable emotions, irritability, anxiety and loss of academic ability and handwriting skills. Although PANDAS was identified as a medical syndrome more than a decade before PANS, it has been classified as a subset of PANS.

Symptoms of PANS & PANDAS may include:

• Acute onset OCD
• Severe separation anxiety
• Handwriting sometimes becomes unrecognisable
• Drawings look like scribbles
• Deterioration of motor skills
• Having trouble eating
• Starting to wet the bed
• Irritability and/or aggressive behaviour
• Visual or auditory hallucinations
• Anxiety and panic attacks
• Extreme moodiness or depression
• Tics and unusual movements
• Joint pain
• Sensitivity to light, sound and touch
• Sleep disturbances and fatigue

Homeopathy’s Role in Managing PANS/PANDAS in Children

As a homeopath, I have supported numerous children with PANS/PANDAS. In some children, improvement has been immediate, whilst in others it has been slower yet still steady. I’ve found that in nearly all cases, the duration and intensity of the children’s symptoms have been reduced, and in many cases there has been no further relapse.

Homeopathic treatment of PANS and PANDAS is highly individualised, depending on the child’s timeline, symptoms and behaviours.  As part of the treatment process usually a homeopathic nosode (the remedy made from the virus, bacteria, mould, etc. that caused the deranged immune reaction) will be prescribed, along with specific remedies to address the child’s symptoms.  Homeopathic treatment aims to treat the root cause of the condition and addresses the reason behind the malfunctioning of the immune system.

Homeopathic medicines are 100% natural, they do not contain any toxic ingredients, nor do they cause side effects, as such they are very safe for children to use.

To find out how homeopathy can support your child, book your FREE, NO-OBLIGATION DISCOVERY CALL TODAY.