Treatment for PANS/PANDAS: A Multi-Layered Approach to Healing
When your child is stuck in the terrifying storm of PANS/PANDAS, it can feel like nothing is working—and like you’re running out of time.
You’re not alone.
In today’s episode, Dr. Roseann breaks down what kids truly need to recover from this challenging disease state. Learn why a nervous-system-first approach is key to real healing and how various treatments work together for lasting results.
In this episode, you’ll learn:
• why treatment for PANS/PANDAS requires more than just antimicrobials
• how immune supports, detoxification, and neurofeedback play a critical role in healing
• why calming the brain first is essential for recovery
• how to create a multi-layered plan to support your child’s healing journey
What’s really happening in the brain
PANS/PANDAS is not just an infection—it’s an inflammatory condition that impacts the brain and nervous system.
When the nervous system is stuck in a hyper-stress state, it’s difficult for the body to heal, no matter what treatments are used. Antimicrobials and antibiotics can help, but they are only one piece of the puzzle.
Key insights:
• Antimicrobials are important but need to be paired with nervous system regulation
• Infections, especially tick-borne diseases, may require a rotating or "blast" approach for effective treatment
• If toxins aren’t properly eliminated, symptoms flare and healing stalls
Parent story:
A mom shared how adding antibiotics worsened her son’s condition, but once detox and nervous system regulation were addressed, the same antimicrobial protocol became effective.
Takeaway: Your child can’t heal in fight-or-flight mode. Calm the brain first so the body can do its job.
How immune treatments and detoxification help
Many kids with PANS/PANDAS have overactive immune systems, not just infections. This means immune support is essential, but overstimulating the immune system can worsen the condition.
To help your child recover, consider:
• working with a skilled practitioner to balance immune support
• daily detoxification strategies (hydration, binders, lymphatic support)
• ensuring that toxins from killing infections are eliminated from the body
When detox pathways aren’t open, symptoms worsen:
• irritability spikes
• OCD behaviors intensify
• emotional storms take over
Calming the brain and supporting detoxification are foundational to healing.
The reframe parents need
Behavior is communication.
It’s not bad behavior—it’s a dysregulated brain.
When your child’s immune system is overstimulated and the nervous system is overwhelmed, behavior becomes a signal that the body and brain need support.
What you can do next
Start with nervous system regulation before diving into symptom-specific treatments.
• Use neurofeedback to regulate brainwaves
• Provide daily detoxification tools like hydration and movement
• Consider immune support from a skilled practitioner
• Calm the brain first so the body can handle infection treatments more effectively
If you’ve been searching for treatment for PANS/PANDAS, a multi-layered approach that addresses the nervous system, immune system, and detoxification pathways is essential.
Listen + Take the Next Step
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Dr. Roseann Capanna-Hodge helps parents understand Emotional Dysregulation in Children and teaches practical Nervous System Regulation in Children and Co-Regulation Techniques through her Regulation First Parenting™ approach.
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