Understanding the Root Cause of PANS and PANDAS & How Functional Medicine Can Help
Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) and Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) are complex conditions that can have a profound impact on children’s mental and physical health. Parents often struggle to find answers as traditional treatments focus mainly on symptom management rather than addressing the underlying causes. Functional medicine, however, takes a root-cause approach to healing, offering hope to families searching for long-term solutions.
What Are PANS and PANDAS?
PANS and PANDAS are neurological and autoimmune disorders that cause sudden and severe psychiatric symptoms, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety, tics, mood swings, and behavioral regression. The key distinction between the two lies in their triggers:
- PANDAS is specifically linked to a streptococcal (strep) infection that leads to an abnormal immune response attacking the brain.
- PANS can be triggered by various infections, environmental factors, or metabolic disturbances, making it broader in scope than PANDAS.
In both cases, inflammation and immune dysfunction play a central role in the sudden onset of symptoms.
Root Causes of PANS and PANDAS
Functional medicine aims to uncover the root causes of these conditions, which often involve multiple contributing factors, including:
- Infections & Immune Dysregulation
- Strep infections (PANDAS)
- Mycoplasma pneumonia
- Lyme disease and co-infections
- Viral infections (e.g., Epstein-Barr, influenza)
- Mold and chronic inflammatory response syndrome (CIRS)
- Gut Dysbiosis & Leaky Gut
- Imbalanced gut microbiome can contribute to neuroinflammation
- Increased intestinal permeability (leaky gut) allows toxins and antigens to enter the bloodstream, triggering immune responses
- Food sensitivities (gluten, dairy, processed foods) can exacerbate inflammation
- Toxic Load & Environmental Triggers
- Heavy metals (lead, mercury, aluminum) can impact neurological function
- Mold toxicity and biotoxins can trigger immune dysregulation
- Pesticides and household chemicals may contribute to neuroinflammation
- Nutritional Deficiencies & Mitochondrial Dysfunction
- Deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals (Vitamin D, B vitamins, magnesium, zinc)
- Mitochondrial dysfunction leading to fatigue and impaired brain function
- Poor methylation and detoxification pathways
- Genetic & Epigenetic Factors
- Genetic predispositions affecting immune regulation
- MTHFR gene mutations impacting detoxification and neurotransmitter balance
- Epigenetic changes influenced by lifestyle and environmental factors
How Functional Medicine Can Help
Functional medicine provides a comprehensive approach to healing by addressing the root causes of PANS and PANDAS through personalized interventions. Key strategies include:
- Comprehensive Testing & Diagnosis
- Identifying infections through blood work, stool tests, and urine analysis
- Assessing gut health and microbiome balance
- Checking for heavy metals, mold exposure, and environmental toxins
- Evaluating mitochondrial function and nutritional status
- Targeted Treatment of Infections & Immune Support
- Use of antimicrobial and antiviral therapies (natural and pharmaceutical)
- Immune modulation through supplements like colostrum, immunoglobulins, and probiotics
- Anti-inflammatory diets and gut-healing protocols
- Detoxification & Reducing Toxic Load
- Supporting liver detox pathways with glutathione, NAC, and B vitamins
- Addressing mold exposure with binders like activated charcoal and bentonite clay
- Reducing chemical exposure in the home environment
- Nutritional & Mitochondrial Support
- Personalized supplementation with key nutrients (Vitamin D, magnesium, omega-3s)
- Mitochondrial support with CoQ10, L-carnitine, and riboflavin
- Healing the gut with probiotics, digestive enzymes, and an anti-inflammatory diet
- Lifestyle & Mind-Body Strategies
- Stress management through mindfulness, yoga, and therapy
- Improving sleep quality with melatonin support and sleep hygiene practices
- Gentle movement and exercise to support detoxification and brain function
A Hopeful Path Forward
PANS and PANDAS can be overwhelming for families, but by addressing the root causes through functional medicine, children can experience significant improvements and even full recovery. By taking a holistic approach—balancing the immune system, healing the gut, reducing toxins, and supporting brain health—functional medicine empowers families with the tools they need for long-term healing.
If your child is struggling with PANS or PANDAS, working with a functional medicine practitioner can help uncover the underlying triggers and create a personalized healing plan. There is hope, and with the right approach, recovery is possible.
