Demystifying PANS/PANDAS: A Functional Medicine Guide to Basal Ganglia Encephalitis
with Nancy H O'Hara, MD, MPH, FAAP
PANS & PANDAS are complex autoimmune diseases that require a multi-system approach. PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Strep) involves antibodies from a strep infection reacting with brain tissue (specifically the basal) and triggering immune dysregulation and movement, learning and behavioral problems including OCD, anxiety and tics. With PANS (Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome), other infectious etiologies (especially LYME and co-infections as well as COVID, viruses, & more), toxic exposures, and mold are among other potential triggers. Dr. O’Hara will discuss the latest research in the assessment and treatment of these devastating but recoverable illnesses in our children.