PANS/PANDAS

 

What is PANS/PANDA?

PANS is an acronym for Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome. PANDAS stands for Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections. These rare conditions affect children and involve sudden neuropsychiatric symptoms, such as obsessive-compulsive behaviors, tics, anxiety, irritability, and other behavioral and emotional disturbances.

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PANDAS is linked specifically to streptococcal infections, while various infectious and non-infectious agents can trigger PANS. Both disorders are caused by an autoimmune response that results in brain inflammation, leading to neuropsychiatric symptoms.

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What causes PANS/PANDA?

Researchers believe genetic and environmental factors cause PANS and PANDAS. Streptococcal infections can trigger an autoimmune response in which the immune system mistakenly attacks brain tissue, leading to inflammation and symptoms of neuropsychiatric illness. Other potential triggers of PANS/PANDAS include environmental toxins, psychological stressors, and different types of infections.

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What are the symptoms of PANS/PANDA?

There are various symptoms of PANS and PANDAS, including obsessive-compulsive disorder or OCD, anxiety, tics, behavior regression, sleep disturbances, sensory processing issues, and cognitive impairment.

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OCD symptoms involve obsessive and repetitive thoughts, fears, or compulsive behaviors that are difficult to control. Children with these conditions may also experience excessive anxiety and behavioral changes, specifically irritability, aggression, and mood swings.

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Additionally, children can experience sensory processing issues, such as difficulty managing and responding to sensory stimuli, and cognitive impairment problems, including memory, attention, and executive function. 

 

How is PANS/PANDA treated?

Treatment objectives for PANS and PANDA are to control underlying infections and manage neuropsychiatric symptoms. A multidisciplinary approach involving specialists in immunology, neurology, psychiatry, and other related fields is essential for constructing specific and effective treatment methods. 

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Common treatments for these conditions include antibiotics, immunomodulatory therapy, psychiatric medications, cognitive behavioral therapy, and dietary changes.

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Antibiotics such as penicillin, amoxicillin, or azithromycin help clear streptococcal infections. Immunomodulatory therapy regulates the immune system and reduces inflammation using intravenous immunoglobulin, plasmapheresis, or corticosteroids. Psychiatric medications are used to manage anxiety, OCD, or other neuropsychiatric symptoms, depending on severity. Cognitive behavioral therapy, or CBT, helps children learn coping strategies and reduce stress related to their condition. Children may also benefit from gluten- or dairy-free diets and supplements such as probiotics.

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How does PANS/PANDA affect brain wellness?

PANS and PANDAS are neurological conditions that affect brain wellness in children. PANS can cause neuropsychiatric symptoms such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety, tics, irritability, and emotional instability. It results from an immune response to infections or other triggers, creating inflammation in the brain and affecting function.

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Similarly, infections such as streptococcal infection can cause PANDAS. Both disorders can affect brain functioning, resulting in behavioral and emotional changes, cognitive impairment, and other neurological symptoms. The inflammation caused by these conditions can also lead to structural and functional changes in the brain, affecting neurological health.

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Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are essential to manage these disorders and prevent long-term brain health consequences. Treatment may involve antibiotics to clear the infection, immunomodulatory therapies, and psychiatric medications. Cognitive-behavioral therapy and other behavioral therapies may also help manage the symptoms of these conditions.

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How can Brain Frequency™ help?

The Brain Frequency™ AI system is an innovative therapeutic approach to improving brain health and wellness. We use proprietary science-based technology to promote optimal brain functioning across mental, emotional, physical, and social domains. Our diagnostic technology and individualized treatment protocols help decrease or eliminate trauma-related symptoms and various mental health disorders.

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The Brain Frequency™ 3 Step Treatment Process consists of; first, performing a Baseline EEG and completing Psychometric Assessments; second, conducting a Brain Frequency Consultation; and third, Initiating Treatment.

An Electroencephalogram (EEG) analyzes brain waves and produces a brain map identifying current and optimal frequencies in 19 areas of the brain. Based on the individualized brain map, Brain Frequency™ will determine possible diagnoses of various mental health disorders or brain trauma for the provider to consider during treatment. Brain Frequency™ AI software provides clinicians with an "Approval Ready" treatment plan using personalized protocols based on each patient's needs.

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Those suffering from symptoms of PANS/PANDA can efficiently and effectively improve their brain health and wellness by using the Brain Frequency™ AI system. Our innovative system drastically reduces the time needed to properly diagnose and construct treatment plans leading to a faster recovery and greater quality of life.

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RESOURCES

 

Substance Abuse & Mental Health Service Administration (SAMHSA): https://www.samhsa.gov/

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Health Resources & Services Administration (HRSA): https://www.hrsa.gov/

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National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH): https://www.nimh.nih.gov/

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Center For Disease Control & Prevention (CDC): https://www.cdc.gov/

American Psychological Association (APA): https://www.apa.org/

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National Institutes of Health (NIH): https://www.nih.gov/

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National Suicide Prevention Line: https://988lifeline.org/

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National Library of Medicine: https://medlineplus.gov/

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Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.org/

 

WebMD: https://www.webmd.com/ 

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