PANS and PANDAS

Homeopathy for PANS & PANDAS.

PANS and PANDAS are conditions that can cause sudden and severe behavioural, emotional, and cognitive changes in children. Onset of symptoms is acute, but the conditions are chronic.

PANS Paediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome

PANS is triggered by a misdirected immune response to disturbances of metabolism, infections (eg Lyme, EBV, chickenpox, flu) or other inflammatory reactions (eg mould, parasites, histamine etc) producing a constellation of symptoms such as:

·        Sudden onset OCD

·        Abrupt restriction of food intake (often misdiagnosed as an eating disorder)

·        Anxiety or depression

·        Irritability or aggression

·        Verbal and motor tics

·        Sensory and motor sensitivities

·        Sudden deterioration in schoolwork, handwriting, cognition (may look like dyslexia, or ADHD)

·        Insomnia

·        Enuresis

·        Fatigue, general feeling of malaise

·         

PANDAS Paediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infection

PANDAS is a category of PANS where the onset of symptoms can be traced back specifically to a streptococcal infection. Symptoms include:

·        Obsessions; pickiness about clothes; ritualistic compulsions

·        Intrusive thoughts

·        Intense addictions

·        Need for constant reassurance

·        Aggression, hyperactivity

·        Feelings of unreality, as if living in a dream

·        Any of the PANS symptoms above but with a clear aetiology of a streptococcal infection

Susceptibility

You are possibly wondering why conditions such as PANS/PANDAS occur in some children, yet other children seem to sail through infections, or any other illness that life throws their way? All children (as with adults) have varying degrees of susceptibility to illnesses, due to many factors including (but not limited to) hereditary illness, gut health, mother’s health during pregnancy, exposure to toxins from medications, vaccinations, etc. Your homeopath can identify these during a full consultation for your child. While conventional medicine often focuses on managing symptoms with antibiotics and psychiatric medications, homeopathy seeks to restore harmony at a deeper level and not only seeks to identify the CAUSE of the illness, but the cause of the cause….

Homeopathy offers individualised treatment….

Each child with PANS or PANDAS presents differently, making individualised homeopathic treatment essential. Your homeopath will assess the child’s unique symptoms, triggers, and overall constitution to determine the most appropriate remedy. This personalised approach enhances the likelihood of effective and long-lasting relief.

Homeopathic remedies used in the treatment of PANS/PANDAS

The following remedies are frequently prescribed by homeopaths for PANS/PANDAS cases. Potency and repetition are purely based on each individual case, and remedies to address specific causes are often prescribed alongside totality remedies to remove any blockages to cure.

Remedies should be prescribed by your homeopathic practitioner, do not attempt to self-prescribe in these circumstances.

Belladonna - useful for acute onset symptoms, such as sudden aggression, rage, high fevers, or hallucinations. Often used in a flare up, combined with Apis to support symptoms of acute brain inflammation.

Stramonium - helpful for severe anxiety, night terrors, aggression, and fears of darkness or being alone.

Hyoscyamus – where the patient presents excessive talking, inappropriate laughter, hyperactivity, or suspicious behaviour.

Kali Brom - for intense obsessive-compulsive symptoms, restlessness, and nervous tics.

Tuberculinum – often indicated for children with recurrent infections, behavioural outbursts, and a family history of autoimmune disorders.

Merc Sol – presence of swollen glands, excessive salivation, and mood swings.

Nux Vom– suitable for children who are irritable, oversensitive, and have difficulty sleeping.

Lachesis – helps with intense emotions, jealousy, rage, and difficulty with social interactions.

Combining homeopathy with other supportive measures

For PANS/PANDAS to take hold, the immune system and vitality are low. Combining homeopathy with other therapies such as nutritional and herbal support offers the most likelihood of success.

Nutritional support – reduce inflammatory foods such ultra-processed foods, supporting gut health, and ensuring adequate nutrients. Aim for fresh, organic foods, anti-inflammatory and  high in antioxidants.

Detoxification – often the liver needs extra support for the best chance of success in treatment. Herbal supplements such as milk thistle are gentle and effective in supporting the liver and can be used safely alongside homeopathy.

Stress management – a period of stress is often the final tipping point for the body where immune status is already low. Seek support for any external issues which may be fuelling the fire of stress. For example, exam worries, peer pressure, bullying, family discord are all stressors for young children and teens. Stress which is not dealt with creates an additional ‘layer’ of ill health which can act as a block to cure. When we exist in a state of ‘fight or flight’, overcoming physical illness is hampered by the body being in survival mode only.

Immune System Support – using herbal and nutritional supplements to support immune function. Consider working with a naturopath alongside homeopath to determine the most appropriate herbal immune support for your child.

PANS and PANDAS can be overwhelming for both children and their families, but homeopathy offers a gentle, non-toxic, and individualised approach to healing. By addressing the root cause and supporting the body’s innate ability to heal, homeopathy can be a valuable part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Questions? Book in for a 15-minute chat with me to find out more.