Breaking the Cycle: A Holistic Path to Healing PANS/PANDAS
For parents navigating the uncertainty of PANS/PANDAS, the journey can feel overwhelming. One day, your child is thriving—engaged, happy, and full of personality. The next, they are experiencing sudden mood swings, anxiety, OCD behaviors, tics, or learning regression. The transformation can be shocking, leaving families desperate for answers.
While conventional medicine focuses on antibiotics, steroids, and psychiatric medications to manage symptoms, these treatments often fail to address the root cause or prevent relapses. The reality is that PANS/PANDAS is a complex neuroimmune disorder triggered by an interplay of infections, inflammation, and environmental stressors. Healing requires a multi-layered approach that restores balance to the immune system, supports brain function, and removes environmental triggers.
Understanding the Triggers Behind PANS/PANDAS
PANS/PANDAS symptoms emerge when the immune system mistakenly attacks the brain, leading to inflammation in the basal ganglia—an area responsible for movement, emotions, and cognitive function. But why does this happen?
Infections – Streptococcus (strep throat), mycoplasma pneumonia, Lyme disease, and mold exposure are common culprits.
Inflammation & Immune Dysfunction – A dysregulated immune system can remain overactive, leading to chronic neuroinflammation.
Environmental Toxins – Glyphosate (a pesticide found in food), heavy metals, and air pollutants contribute to immune dysregulation.
Food Sensitivities – Gluten, dairy, and artificial additives can trigger inflammation and disrupt gut health.
Chronic Stress – Emotional and physical stress suppresses immune function and increases systemic inflammation, worsening symptoms.
The key to healing is identifying all contributing factors and addressing them holistically.
A Functional Roadmap for Recovery
A functional approach goes beyond symptom management and focuses on restoring balance within the body. Here’s how:
1. Healing the Gut to Calm the Immune System
The gut and brain are deeply connected. Over 70% of the immune system resides in the gut, meaning that imbalances in gut bacteria can fuel inflammation and autoimmunity.
Eliminate inflammatory foods – Remove gluten, dairy, processed sugars, and artificial additives to reduce immune activation.
Replenish with probiotics – Introducing beneficial bacteria helps restore gut balance and reduce inflammation.
Support digestion – Enzymes and bone broth can aid in nutrient absorption and gut lining repair.
2. Reducing Inflammation in the Brain
When inflammation disrupts neurological function, symptoms like tics, anxiety, and OCD behaviors intensify. Strategies to lower inflammation include:
Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) – Helps reduce brain inflammation, increase circulation, and promote healing.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids – Found in fish oil, these reduce neuroinflammation and support cognitive function.
Turmeric & Antioxidants – Naturally calm the immune system and protect neurons from inflammatory damage.
3. Strengthening Brain Pathways Through Movement
Many children with PANS/PANDAS have underdeveloped motor and sensory systems, impacting balance, coordination, and focus. Rebuilding these pathways supports long-term neurological function.
Primitive Reflex Integration – Exercises that replicate early developmental milestones help reset the nervous system.
Vestibular & Balance Therapy – Balance exercises improve sensory processing and brain connectivity.
Eye Tracking & Coordination Work – Helps strengthen visual processing and executive function skills.
4. Enhancing Oxygen & Energy Production
Children with neuroinflammation often experience low energy, brain fog, and poor circulation. Increasing oxygen delivery and mitochondrial support can improve recovery.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) – Delivers oxygen to the brain to enhance healing and reduce inflammation.
Exercise with Oxygen Therapy (EWOT) – Improves circulation and boosts ATP (energy) production.
Red Light Therapy – Supports mitochondrial function and promotes new neuronal connections.
5. Managing Stress & Emotional Well-Being
Chronic stress worsens inflammation and contributes to flares. Supporting a low-stress, sensory-friendly environment can be a game-changer for children with PANS/PANDAS.
Routine & Predictability – Establishing a structured day reduces anxiety and promotes stability.
Mindfulness & Breathing Techniques – Helps regulate the nervous system and improve emotional control.
Limit Sensory Overload – Reduce screen time, excessive noise, and other overstimulating environments.
The Road to Recovery: What to Expect
Healing from PANS/PANDAS is a process, not an overnight fix. Some children see immediate improvements, while others require months of consistent intervention. The key is patience, persistence, and addressing every layer of dysfunction.
Step 1: Identify Triggers – Run lab tests for infections, toxins, and food sensitivities.
Step 2: Reduce Inflammation – Implement an anti-inflammatory diet, supplements, and detox strategies.
Step 3: Rebuild Brain & Body Connections – Use movement-based therapies, vestibular rehab, and cognitive exercises.
Step 4: Support the Nervous System – Improve oxygenation, gut health, and stress resilience.
Hope for Healing
PANS/PANDAS can feel like an uphill battle, but healing is possible. By removing triggers, reducing inflammation, strengthening brain pathways, and supporting energy production, children can regain balance, cognitive function, and emotional regulation.
If your child is struggling, know that you are not alone. There is a growing community of parents, practitioners, and experts working to empower families with the knowledge and tools needed to heal.