Disclaimer

IVIG can be performed in the hospital or in the home and is an infusion of antibodies collected from healthy donors, similar to a blood transfusion. The antibodies in IVIG can help regulate the immune system to fight chronic infections and reduce autoimmunity. It’s typically used when there is severe symptom onset. 

Same immunoglobulins used as IVIG, but less of it is needed as it is not given via infusion, but rather a special inhaler through the nose.  This is a very new treatment option, but those using it have reported a positive effect on symptoms with little to no side effects.

Camel milk is sometimes called the “poor man’s IVIG” because it also contains immunoglobulins that can help modulate the immune system. It’s less likely to cause side effects than IVIG. Camel milk is anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, contains immunoglobulins that can help fight pathogens, and may help with autoimmune diseases. 

Classical homeopathy uses potentized remedies made from plants, animals, minerals, and body substances to treat the totality of physical, emotional, and mental symptoms. Classical homeopathy provides a holistic method of healing that can bring the immune system back into balance and gently nudge the body back to health, mentally, emotionally, and physically. 

 A healing method and type of homeopathy that uses minuscule amounts of substances, such as Strep, mold, Lyme, and other pathogens or toxins to remove blocks to healing and rebalance the immune system’s inappropriate response to those pathogens. It reeducates the immune system to eliminate excessive overproduction of autoantibodies and balance the immune system’s activity.  The treatment targets specific pathogens and toxins and improves immune tolerance. 

LDI is an innovative sublingual approach which involves low doses of the triggering pathogen or antigen and offers hope for long-term relief. LDI is a blending of immunotherapy, as in seen in allergy tolerance therapy, and homeopathy. LDI is designed to gently retrain the dysfunctional immune mediated response by creating tolerance to specific allergens and pathogens (strep, borellia, bartonella, viruses, fungi, parasites) that trigger the autoimmune reaction. 

PRP therapy such as the brand TruDose Platelet Therapy, involves using a patient's own blood to extract platelets, which are then concentrated and injected into the body to promote healing. The platelets contain growth factors that stimulate tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and can be used to treat various conditions such as joint pain, tendon injuries, hair loss, and even skin rejuvenation. 

Plasma exchange is another immunomodulatory therapy which is performed in a hospital setting and can be used to mechanically remove all antibody proteins (including autoantibodies) from a patient’s blood.  This is a more invasive procedure that involves removing the patient’s plasma (which may contain harmful antibodies) and replacing it with donor plasma or a synthetic substitute. It may be considered in severe cases, particularly when other treatments have not been effective. 

Rituxan is a synthetic antibody (protein) that causes b-cell depletion and can target antigens or substances that can cause an immune response. Rituximab targets and attaches to the CD20 protein found on the surface of cancer cells and healthy blood cells. Rituximab has been involved in cases of diffuse interstitial pneumonia, heart conditions, and may lower the ability of your immune system to fight infections. 

Cellcept is an immunosuppressive prescription medication (drug that weakens your immune system) that is sometimes prescribed for PANS/PANDAS. It is typically used to prevent organ rejection in people who have had a transplant. CellCept has a boxed warning for the increased risk of certain cancers, such as lymphoma or skin cancer, as a rare but serious side effect in clinical trials of the drug. 

Antibiotics are often prescribed to treat acute infections and the underlying infections triggering the autoimmune response. Long-term prophylactic antibiotics may be prescribed; however, continually suppressing the immune system may cause chronic inflammation and may cause the immune system to become further disordered. Many antibiotics have long-term side effects, and overuse of antibiotics in patients is contributing to overall bacterial resistance, as well as negatively impacting the all-important gut health/microbiome. Care of the gut-brain axis is well known to be vital for healing. Furthermore, for Lyme and Co-Infections, parents and patients need to be aware that there are specific antibiotics for treating the different infections and for the appropriate lengths of time, especially in acute cases. Credible resources for Lyme Disease antibiotic therapy can be found at ILAIDS.org (International Lyme and Associated Diseases Society) and by researching Dr. Richard Horowitz. These are important resources to review and share with practitioners who may not be "Lyme Literate" or still follow IDSA's guidelines. ILAIDS can also provide certified Lyme training for your doctor to earn their annual CME credits. 

May be prescribed to treat molds, viruses, and parasites triggering PANS/PANDAS. Many medications have long-term side effects and may cause the immune system to become disordered. Use caution when taking any medication. 

Herbal treatments are recommended by some top integrative practitioners and herbalists like Dr. Deitrich Klinghardt, Dr. Bill Rawls, and Stephen Buhner. Many herbs encompass not just antimicrobial effects, but also synergistically address immune system regulation, inflammation, and provide gut and organ support. To name a few common herbs for Lyme & Co-infections: Japanese Knotweed, Cats Claw, Andrographis, and Chinese Skullcap.   

May be prescribed to reduce inflammation and modulate the immune response. Steroids like low-dose prednisone can help decrease brain inflammation and provide short-term symptom relief but should not be used for long-term as it can cause immune system suppression and serious side effects. 

NSAIDs like Ibuprofen may temporarily reduce inflammation in the event of a PANS/PANDAS flare and can be used to provide short-term relief. 

These medications, commonly used to treat OCD and anxiety disorders, may be prescribed to help manage the psychiatric symptoms associated with PANS/PANDAS. Common SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), and fluvoxamine. SSRIs can cause serious side effects, such as the worsening of anxiety or depression when the medication stops working or when a new episode of depression develops that's not responsive to the medication.  

 In severe cases, antipsychotics such as risperidone or aripiprazole may be used to manage severe tics, aggression, or psychosis. 

Medications for attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), anxiety, or sleep disturbances may also be prescribed. 

CBT is a first-line therapy treatment for OCD and anxiety, which are common in PANS/PANDAS. CBT helps children manage symptoms by changing thought patterns and behaviors. CBT and other forms of psychotherapy can help individuals and families cope with the emotional and behavioral challenges associated with PANS/PANDAS. 

This approach focuses on: self-regulation, transforming the way children perceive themselves, their caregivers, and the world around them, teaching children that they will receive recognition through positive behavior, supporting children as they build a positive portfolio of themselves, or “Inner Wealth™”, and seeing intensity to be a powerful quality that, if developed correctly, can drive children to amazing achievements. This approach is a helpful tool for transforming complex children. 

This workshop focuses on concrete strategies on forming a deeper connection with your challenging child and parenting them in ways that align with their unique brain function.  Neuroscience research shows that the brain and behaviors are always connected, so parenting from a “brain first framework” -- thinking brain first, and then behavior -- our child's challenging behaviors are reduced and we shift toward greater connection and less frustration in our parenting experience. 

This podcast focuses on specific practical strategies to find ways to stop the yelling, defiance, and power struggles and establish ways to build confidence for the parent and child. 

 These therapies can address sensory and motor challenges that may accompany PANS/PANDAS. 

Supplements such as omega-3 fatty acids, probiotics, and vitamin D, are given to support brain health and immune function. There is some evidence to suggest that these can play a role in improving overall health, though they should be used as adjuncts to other treatments. 

Dietary changes such as gluten-free or anti-inflammatory diets reduce the overall inflammatory load on the patient’s immune system.  Some PANS/PANDAS families have reported improvements with dietary changes. 

Toxicity is common in PANS/PANDAS, as well as herxheimer reactions during antimicrobial (killing) protocols. Having detox assistance on board is an integral part of the process in treating the patient, as well as ways to support proper organ drainage of the kidneys, liver, and lymphatics. Epigenetic SNPs may need to be reviewed to see if there are glutamate, methylation, or other issues for further awareness and support.