This past year I have been contacted by many concerned and worried parents who want to know how homeopathy can help their child with PANS / PANDAS. As a homeopath I am always keen to know when the symptoms started and I will ask many questions.
PANS / PANDAS is an autoimmune condition affecting the brain. It can be brought on by a reaction to viruses (associated with streptococcal infections), bacteria, moulds or pollens. It is important to note that this condition is not caused by the strep infection itself but by the body’s immune response to it. Symptoms come on suddenly.
Some common symptoms of PANS/PANDAS are:-
- OCD
- Fears and phobias
- Separation anxiety
- Regressive behaviour
- Tics
- Mood swings and meltdowns
- Sleep disturbances
- UTI like symptoms
These sudden changes in a child’s behaviour can be extremely distressing for the whole family. Many parents tell me that they can describe a “before and after” moment when they noticed their child change almost overnight.
Children with this condition can also experience flares which can be extremely distressing. Flares are when symptoms increase and can present as rage, extreme anxiety, paranoia or intrusive thoughts. A flare is usually brought on when they are exposed to a pathogen that they are susceptible to or by anything that may challenge their immune system. This could range from puberty, losing a tooth or even swimming in a chlorinated pool.
Traditional medical treatments will typically involve anti-biotics and anti-inflammatory medications but they don’t always provide complete relief which is how many people come to homeopathy.
Homeopathy can help in many ways
- focussing on the root cause to support the body’s natural healing system
- it treats the whole person
- it helps to regulate the immune response
- reduces inflammation.
Many parents are also looking for a system of medicine that is gentle and non-toxic.
When working with a family I ask how their child has changed and how it impacts them. I will prescribe remedies that will help their symptoms and help them to feel calmer. Every child experiences PANS / PANDAS differently which is why homeopathy can be effective because it treats each child on an individual basis.
Over the course of working with a family, remedies may need to be as the case progresses. I will usually provide some remedies to support any flares that may occur in between appointments. The main aim is to get the child back to good health.
Some remedies that I may use are Belladonna, Hyoscyamus, Stramonium, Histaminium, Apis and nosodes but there are many other remedies that I have also used in cases.
If you would like to find out more about how homeopathy can help you or your child please book a free 20 minute call.