Pediatric Neuroimmune Inflammation
When Infection, Immunity, and the Brain Collide
Some children change suddenly.
A child who was thriving develops abrupt anxiety, obsessive thoughts, emotional dysregulation, behavioral regression, or cognitive changes — often following an infection or inflammatory trigger.
For families, it can feel frightening, isolating, and confusing.
At James Clinic, we work with children and families navigating PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) and PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections) through a measured, comprehensive, and integrative medical approach focused on understanding why symptoms are occurring and how to safely support recovery.
What Are PANS and PANDAS?
PANDAS describes a subset of children who develop acute neuropsychiatric symptoms following streptococcal infection.
The prevailing theory involves:
- Immune dysregulation
- Molecular mimicry
- Neuroinflammation affecting specific brain regions
Common Symptoms Parents Report
Symptoms often appear suddenly or dramatically, and may include:
Age of Onset
PANS and PANDAS can manifest at various ages, though certain age groups are more commonly affected:
- Acute anxiety or panic
- Obsessive or compulsive behaviors
- Emotional lability or rage episodes
- Developmental regression
- School avoidance
- Tics or motor changes
- Sleep disturbance
- Sensory sensitivities
- Cognitive slowing or brain fog
- Changes in eating or appetite
- Urinary frequency or regression
No two children present identically.
Severity and progression vary widely.
Products & Services
More Information
Our Clinical Philosophy
PANS and PANDAS are not one-size-fits-all conditions.
We do not apply a single protocol.
We do not treat symptoms in isolation.
We do not rush to aggressive therapy without understanding context.
Our approach is layered, cautious, and individualized, with ongoing reassessment built into care.
Step One: Comprehensive Evaluation
Before treatment, we focus on clarity.
Evaluation may include:
- Detailed clinical history and timeline of symptom onset
- Review of infectious exposures and immune triggers
- Inflammatory and immune markers when appropriate
- Metabolic and nutritional assessment
- Gut health and microbiome considerations
- Environmental and lifestyle factors
- Severity and functional impact assessment
The goal is to understand:
- What triggered symptoms
- What is perpetuating inflammation
- How severe and active the process appears to be
This guides every decision that follows.
Step Two: Foundational Support
Every child begins with foundational stabilization, which may include:
Nutrition & Diet
- Anti-inflammatory dietary strategies
- Identification and removal of inflammatory triggers
- Support for metabolic and immune balance
Supplements & Nutrient Support
- Targeted micronutrients
- Anti-inflammatory support
- Neuroprotective strategies
- Immune modulation as appropriate
Gut & Immune Regulation
- Probiotic and microbiome support when indicated
- Gut–immune axis optimization
- Addressing gastrointestinal contributors to inflammation
Lifestyle & Environmental Support
- Sleep regulation
- Stress reduction strategies for the child and family
- School and routine stabilization guidance
These steps are not “adjunctive.”
They are core therapy
Step Three: Targeted Medical & Integrative Therapies
(When clinically appropriate)
For some children, additional layers of treatment may be considered based on severity, response, and risk–benefit analysis.
These may include:
Antimicrobial Strategies
- Antibiotics when clear infectious drivers are identified
- Botanical or herbal antimicrobials in select cases
- Careful monitoring to avoid overtreatment
Anti-Inflammatory & Immune Modulation
- Non-steroidal and integrative anti-inflammatory approaches
- Immune-calming strategies tailored to the child
IV & Advanced Therapies
In select, carefully evaluated cases, we may consider:
- IV nutrient support
- Integrative IV therapies aimed at inflammation and immune balance
Regenerative & Adjunctive Therapies
For specific cases, additional therapies may be explored as adjuncts, always with:
- Clear goals
- Defined monitoring
- Ongoing reassessment
No advanced therapy is used casually or universally.
What We Do Not Do
- We do not promise cures
- We do not apply rigid protocols
- We do not escalate therapy without justification
- We do not ignore conventional medical standards
Care is ethical, monitored, and collaborative.
Ongoing Monitoring & Reassessment
Children change quickly — improvement and setbacks both occur.
Families can expect:
- Regular reassessment of symptoms and function
- Adjustments to treatment based on response
- Clear communication about next steps
- Emphasis on minimizing intervention burden while maximizing benefit
Progress is measured in function, regulation, and quality of life, not just lab results.
Supporting the Family, Not Just the Child
PANS/PANDAS affects the entire family system.
We recognize:
- Parental exhaustion and fear
- School challenges
- Behavioral strain at home
- Emotional toll on caregivers
Our role is to provide structure, clarity, and medical partnership — not judgment.
A Balanced Perspective
PANS and PANDAS remain complex and evolving diagnoses.
At James Clinic, we operate in the space between:
- Dismissal and overdiagnosis
- Inaction and over-intervention
Our goal is measured, child-centered care rooted in physiology, safety, and compassion.
PANDAS Disease FAQs
We have the information you need for our PANS/PANDA treatment protocol and the common questions we answer for our patients.
Diagnosing PANS and PANDAS involves a comprehensive assessment that includes a detailed medical history, a physical examination, and specialized diagnostic tests. We look for sudden onset of neuropsychiatric symptoms following an infection, such as OCD, tics, or severe mood changes. Blood tests may be conducted to identify underlying infections or immune responses. Our thorough approach ensures an accurate diagnosis, which is crucial for developing an effective treatment plan.
A comprehensive PANS/PANDAS evaluation may be appropriate when:
- Symptoms appear abruptly or dramatically
- Behavioral or emotional changes follow infection
- Conventional evaluations provide no explanation
- Symptoms persist despite standard interventions
- Families seek a thoughtful, integrative medical approach
We offer a holistic and personalized treatment approach for PANS and PANDAS. Our treatment options include lifestyle modifications focusing on diet, sleep, and hydration, as well as supplements and prescription medications tailored to the patient’s needs. We also provide advanced therapies such as IV nutrient therapy, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), ozone therapy, and TruDose PRP to reduce inflammation and promote recovery. Each treatment plan is customized to address the unique needs of the patient, ensuring comprehensive care and support.