PANS/PANDAS and Immune Recovery
The immune system plays a critical role in a child’s health, behavior, and development. When the immune system is dysregulated, it can trigger sudden and distressing changes in mood, behavior, and physical health. Conditions like PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) and PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal infections) demonstrate how infections and immune activation can profoundly affect the brain. At BRFMedicine, we recognize that immune dysfunction often lies at the root of many challenges children face—and recovery begins by restoring balance.
Challenges Often Seen with Immune Dysregulation
- PANS/PANDAS – sudden onset of OCD-like behaviors, tics, anxiety, or mood changes following infection
- Chronic Infections –lingering or recurrent infections such as strep, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), or Lyme disease
- Eczema – persistent skin inflammation tied to immune imbalance and gut dysfunction
- Mold Illness – sensitivity to mold exposure leading to fatigue, mood swings, and chronic symptoms
- Autoimmune Activation –immune system mistakenly attacking the body’s own tissues
- Allergies –food or environmental triggers that worsen inflammation and immune stress
- Mast Cell Activation Syndrome (MCAS) –overactive mast cells releasing histamine and other chemicals, causing widespread symptoms
These conditions are often overwhelming for families because they affect both physical health and emotional well-being, sometimes appearing suddenly and without warning.
Our Approach at BRFMedicine
At BRFMedicine, we use the best of integrative and functional medicine to uncover and address the underlying drivers of immune dysregulation. Instead of treating symptoms in isolation, we look at the bigger picture—how the gut, infections, environment, and immune system interact to shape your child’s health.
- Comprehensive Testing – identifying hidden infections, immune triggers, toxin exposures, and inflammatory markers
- Balancing the Gut-Immune Connection – restoring healthy microbiome and gut barrier function to calm immune overactivation
- Addressing Chronic Infections – identifying and supporting the body in managing persistent infections such as strep, EBV, or Lyme
- Reducing Toxic Burden – helping the body clear mold toxins and environmental exposures
- Restoring Nutrient Foundations –ensuring the body has the resources it needs to repair and regulate immune function
By working to restore balance at the root level, we aim to reduce both the physical and neurological symptoms of immune dysregulation.
How We Can Help
When the immune system is supported and balanced, children often experience:
- Fewer infections and faster recovery
- Reduced tics, OCD-like behaviors, and mood swings related to PANS/PANDAS
- Calmer skin with fewer eczema flares
- Greater tolerance to foods and environment
- Improved energy, focus, and emotional stability
- Relief from symptoms tied to mold illness and MCAS
At BRFMedicine, our goal is to uncover what’s driving immune imbalance and provide practical, science-based care that helps children move toward lasting recovery.