PANS & PANDAS: The Hidden Neurological Storm Behind Sudden Behavior Changes
For parents watching their child suddenly develop extreme anxiety, OCD-like behaviors, emotional outbursts, or motor tics, the experience can be terrifying. The once happy, thriving child they knew seems to change overnight. This rapid shift often leaves families searching desperately for answers.
Two conditions at the root of this sudden-onset neurological dysfunction are Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) and Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS). While both are often misdiagnosed or dismissed as behavioral disorders, the truth is that they are deeply rooted in immune system dysfunction, inflammation, and nervous system stress.
What are PANS & PANDAS?
✔ PANS is a broader term that refers to an immune-related neurological disorder triggered by infections, environmental toxins, or metabolic dysfunction.
✔ PANDAS is a subtype of PANS, specifically associated with strep infections, where the immune system mistakenly attacks the brain.
Both conditions result in a neuroinflammatory response, where the immune system misfires and attacks the basal ganglia—a part of the brain responsible for motor control, emotions, and behavior regulation.
Signs & Symptoms of PANS/PANDAS:
Sudden-onset OCD or extreme anxiety
Motor tics or involuntary movements
Severe mood swings, rage, or aggression
Regression in academic performance or motor skills
Sensory sensitivities and difficulty with focus
Urinary issues, food restriction, or sleep disturbances
Extreme separation anxiety and social withdrawal
The Neurological Root: Why PANS & PANDAS Are More Than Just an Infection
PANS and PANDAS are not simply infections that cause behavior changes; they are a direct attack on the nervous system. The immune system, instead of only fighting off pathogens, begins attacking the brain, leading to inflammation, nervous system dysregulation, and neuroplasticity changes.
Here’s what happens neurologically:
1️⃣ Basal Ganglia Inflammation & Glial Cell Activation – Research highlighted in The Angel and the Assassin: The Tiny Brain Cell That Changed the Course of Medicine explains how glial cells, once thought to be passive support cells, actually act as the immune system of the brain. Rather than causing traditional inflammation, glial cells shift into an overactive state, aggressively pruning synaptic connections and reinforcing maladaptive neural pathways. This process alters the way the brain wires itself, leading to heightened anxiety, compulsions, tics, and emotional dysregulation.
2️⃣ Prefrontal Cortex Disruption – The prefrontal cortex regulates impulse control and decision-making. Neuroinflammation weakens this area, making emotional regulation nearly impossible. When glial cells are misdirected, the prefrontal cortex cannot efficiently process executive functions, further exacerbating impulsivity and OCD-like behaviors.
3️⃣ Vagus Nerve Dysfunction – The vagus nerve is responsible for calming the nervous system and regulating inflammation. When disrupted, the child remains stuck in fight-or-flight mode, heightening anxiety and compulsive behaviors. Vagal dysfunction can also contribute to digestive imbalances, further fueling inflammation.
4️⃣ Neuroplasticity Changes – The brain has the ability to adapt and rewire itself based on its environment and inputs. However, when neuroinflammation disrupts this process, instead of forming healthy neural pathways, maladaptive connections are reinforced, keeping the child locked in repetitive behaviors, anxiety loops, and motor dysfunction.
What Triggers PANS & PANDAS?
PANS and PANDAS develop when a child’s immune system is thrown into chaos. Some of the most common triggers include:
✔ Strep Infections (PANDAS-specific)
✔ Viral & Bacterial Infections (Lyme, Mycoplasma, Influenza)
✔ Toxic Environmental Exposures (Mold, heavy metals, pesticides)
✔ Gut Dysbiosis & Leaky Gut (Chronic inflammation weakens immune function)
✔ Emotional & Physical Stress (Triggering immune and nervous system dysregulation)
Understanding that PANS & PANDAS are a neurological-immune disorder, not just an infection, is the first step toward a comprehensive healing approach.
How Chiropractic & Neurological Care Support PANS/PANDAS Recovery
Most conventional treatments focus on antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, and psychiatric medications. While these may provide temporary relief, they do not address the root cause: immune dysregulation and nervous system dysfunction.
Chiropractic care offers a neurological and immune-centered approach, helping to restore balance in the body and promote healing through:
✅ Regulating the Vagus Nerve – Gentle adjustments help activate the parasympathetic nervous system, shifting the body out of chronic fight-or-flight mode and improving inflammation control.
✅ Reducing Neuroinflammation – Adjustments impact the nervous system in a way that helps calm an overactive immune response, reducing basal ganglia and brain inflammation.
✅ Enhancing Brain-Body Communication – Chiropractic care optimizes the way the nervous system processes stress, which can improve emotional regulation, compulsive behaviors, and motor function.
✅ Supporting Detoxification & Gut Health – Since immune dysregulation is a core issue, chiropractic care, alongside gut healing strategies and anti-inflammatory lifestyle changes, plays a role in reducing immune stressors.
At-Home Strategies for Healing
Healing from PANS & PANDAS requires a full-body approach. Here are high-impact lifestyle shifts that can support recovery:
🥦 Anti-Inflammatory Diet – Prioritize whole, nutrient-dense foods like wild-caught fish, organic vegetables, and bone broth. Eliminate inflammatory triggers like gluten, dairy, refined sugar, and processed foods.
💧 Hydration & Detox Support – Ensure proper hydration with filtered water. Support detox pathways with Epsom salt baths, lymphatic massage, and mild sweating through movement.
🌿 Targeted Supplements – Omega-3s, probiotics, magnesium, and curcumin help modulate neuroinflammation and promote cognitive function.
🧘 Nervous System Regulation Practices – Deep breathing, guided meditation, and co-regulation exercises with parents help calm the fight-or-flight response.
🛏️ Prioritizing Deep Sleep – Maintain a consistent sleep routine, avoid blue light exposure before bed, and create a cool, dark sleeping environment.
🏃 Gentle Movement & Play – Activities like yoga, swimming, or nature walks promote brain-body integration and nervous system healing.
Final Thoughts: Hope for Healing
PANS & PANDAS can feel overwhelming for families, but there is hope beyond conventional medical treatments. By understanding the neurological connection and supporting nervous system regulation, true healing is possible.
If your child has been struggling with sudden behavioral and neurological changes, consider a nervous system-based approach. Chiropractic care may provide the missing link to immune balance, neurological healing, and long-term recovery.
📅 Schedule a consultation today to learn how we can support your child’s journey back to health.
