PANS/PANDAS Treatment
Comprehensive diagnosis and integrative treatment for pediatric autoimmune neuropsychiatric disorders
Understanding PANS/PANDAS
PANS (Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) and PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections) are conditions where the immune system's response to infection causes sudden, dramatic neuropsychiatric symptoms.
Similar to Rheumatic Fever, PANS/PANDAS begins with an infection. The antibody made to protect against the infection also binds to brain tissue (molecular mimicry), triggering inflammation and hijacking normal brain function.
Despite clear evidence and quick response to appropriate treatment, many healthcare providers still don't recognize PANS/PANDAS. Purely behavioral or pharmaceutical management is not effective — successful treatment requires addressing both infectious and immune factors.
Key Facts
- PANS: Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome
- PANDAS: Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Strep
- Primary cause: Immune response attacking brain tissue, not direct infection
- Known triggers: Strep, Mycoplasma, EBV, Influenza, Lyme, and other infections
Signs & Symptoms
Acute Onset of OCD Symptoms
Germaphobia, repeated handwashing, compulsions, and intrusive thoughts that appear suddenly — often literally overnight.
Severe Food Restriction
Fear of swallowing, dramatic changes in eating patterns, refusal to eat previously accepted foods, and choking fears.
Emotional & Behavioral Regression
Children who were previously age-appropriate suddenly regress — baby talk, clinginess, separation anxiety, and loss of previously mastered skills.
Tics & Movement Disorders
Motor or vocal tics, involuntary movements, deterioration of handwriting, and new onset of coordination difficulties.
Additional Signs
Our Treatment Approach
Comprehensive Evaluation
Lab assessment for triggering infections and immune markers, including Strep, Mycoplasma, EBV, and Lyme testing.
Infection Treatment
Targeted antibiotics for bacterial triggers, natural & prescription treatments for viral triggers, addressing immune dysregulation, and preventing re-exposure to triggering infections.
Immune Support
Curcuminoids, targeted nutrient therapy, GI support, and anti-inflammatory protocols to calm the immune response.
Ongoing Support
Comprehensive staff support throughout treatment, monitoring for flares, and long-term management strategies.
"Our daughter went from a happy, thriving child to someone we didn't recognize — literally overnight. Dr. Lewis identified PANDAS and within weeks of treatment, we started getting our daughter back."
— Parent of PANDAS patient
Frequently Asked Questions
Get Comprehensive PANS/PANDAS Care
Dr. Lewis has been treating PANS/PANDAS patients since 2011 and is recognized by PANDASnetwork.org.