PANS or PANDAS is a sudden onset (autoimmune) disorder typically after an infection.
PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) is associated with various infections, whereas PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder after Streptococcal infection) is associated with only streptococcal infections. The symptoms of PANS and PANDAS are almost identical.
Signs and symptoms can include:
- Tics
- OCD
- Anxiety attacks
- depression
- temper tantrums
- joint pain
- bed-wetting
In most cases, conventional treatments do not resolve PANS/PANDAS; it only treats flare-ups and the symptoms.
Conventional treatments
Antibiotics
Often long-term antibiotics are used to treat PANS/PANDAS; unfortunately, this doesn’t address the root cause and why the child developed PANS/PANDAS. Antibiotics address the symptoms. Long term antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance, gut issues and other unpleasant issues.
Tonsillectomy
Tonsils are the first defence for our bodies against germs, viruses and bacteria. Think of them as a filter, catching all these ‘nasties’ before they can enter the body and do more harm. Removing the tonsils is like removing the warning light on your car’s dashboard so that you can ignore the engine warning. Inflamed tonsils is a sign that there is something deeper going on.
Intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG)
IVIG, is a treatment that combines immunoglobulins donated by different people and is given by a drip to treat severe acute PANS/PANDAS. IVIG treat the symptoms without addressing why the child got PANS/PANDAS
Homeopathic approach
With homeopathy, as always, we treat the child as a whole. When resolving PANS/PANDAS with homeopathy, It is essential to address the child’s susceptibility and the inflammatory response in these cases. Progress can be made by addressing the susceptibility. This is the root cause why the child developed PANS or PANDAS.
As a homeopath, I do not need a label or diagnosis, as I treat the child and not the dis-ease. This holistic approach to physical, mental and emotional symptoms bring balance to the child and give them resilience.
In some children, improvement can be immediate and in others, slow and steady and the results speak for themselves. I have supported numerous children with PANS/PANDAS if you would like to find out more, book a discovery call with me here