Topic Guide

PANDAS & PANS

Gentle Neurological Support for Children with Autoimmune-Triggered Symptoms.

PANDAS and PANS are conditions where the body's immune response triggers sudden, dramatic neuropsychiatric symptoms in children. These conditions can be frightening for families, and finding effective support is crucial. At Van Every Family Chiropractic Center, we offer gentle, nervous system-focused care that can support children dealing with these challenging conditions alongside their medical treatment.

PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections) involves sudden onset of OCD and/or tics following a strep infection, caused by an autoimmune response that affects the brain. PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) is a broader category that includes sudden neuropsychiatric symptoms triggered by various infections or environmental factors, not just strep.

Important Note

PANDAS and PANS require medical diagnosis and treatment. Chiropractic care is supportive therapy that works alongside your child's medical team, it does not replace medical care for these conditions.

Common Signs & Symptoms

Plain language context before you read the full guide.

Patterns To Notice

OCD Behaviors: Sudden onset of obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors that were not present before.
Severe Anxiety: Intense anxiety, separation anxiety, and panic attacks appearing suddenly.
Tic Disorders: Motor and/or vocal tics that appear suddenly without prior history.
Emotional Lability: Dramatic mood swings, rage episodes, and depression.
Handwriting Changes: Sudden deterioration in handwriting and fine motor skills.
Sleep Problems: Insomnia, nightmares, and bedwetting regression.

Why Consider Chiropractic Support?

Nervous System Focus: PANDAS/PANS affect the brain and nervous system. Our gentle, neurologically-focused approach is specifically designed to support neurological function and help calm an overactivated nervous system.
Inflammation Support: Proper nervous system function supports healthy immune and inflammatory responses. By removing interference, we help the body better regulate its own healing processes.
Calming Effect: Our gentle techniques can help calm an overactivated nervous system, supporting your child's ability to relax, sleep, and cope with symptoms.
Whole-Child Approach: We address the whole child, not just symptoms. Our care complements medical treatment without adding medications, and we work closely with your child's entire care team.

Our Approach to PANDAS/PANS Support

Our doctors take an extremely gentle, individualized approach when working with children who have PANDAS or PANS, recognizing their unique sensitivities.

Comprehensive Neurological Assessment

We begin with a thorough evaluation including detailed symptom history, comprehensive neurological assessment, and evaluation of the upper cervical spine, cranial bones, and areas affecting vagal tone.

Extremely Gentle Adjustments

Using Talsky Tonal Chiropractic and KST techniques, we address the specific subluxation patterns affecting neurological function with precision and care. PANDAS/PANS children are often highly sensitive, and our approach uses the lightest possible touch, perfect for sensitive nervous systems. We create a calm, predictable environment and give children choices about their care.

Collaborative Care & Monitoring

We work alongside your child's medical team, tracking progress through regular neurological re-evaluations and adapting our approach based on how your child is feeling each visit. We encourage proper medical diagnosis and treatment alongside our supportive care.

What Parents Often Report

Every person is different. These are educational points to help you ask better questions.

Calmer demeanor after adjustments.
Gradual improvement in neuropsychiatric symptoms.
Better sleep quality and duration.
Reduced physical tension and discomfort.
Improved emotional regulation.
Better ability to cope with daily activities.
Support for overall healing and recovery.

Questions Parents And Adults Ask

Does chiropractic care treat PANDAS or PANS?

No. PANDAS and PANS require medical diagnosis and treatment. Chiropractic care is a supportive, complementary therapy that focuses on optimizing nervous system function. We work alongside your child's medical team to support the nervous system as it heals.

Is chiropractic safe for children with PANDAS/PANS?

Yes. Our doctors use extremely gentle techniques specifically adapted for sensitive children. There is no cracking or forceful manipulation. The adjustments are so light that most children find them calming and comfortable. We adjust our approach based on your child's sensitivities each visit.

How does chiropractic complement medical treatment?

While medical treatment addresses the infection and immune response, chiropractic care supports the nervous system by reducing interference to brain-body communication, helping calm an overactivated stress response, and supporting immune system regulation. It works alongside medications and other therapies without conflict.

How many visits will my child need?

Every child with PANDAS/PANS is different, and symptoms can fluctuate. Our doctors will create an individualized care plan and perform regular progress evaluations. We adapt the frequency and intensity of care based on your child's response and current symptom levels.

Free Resource

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The guide gives you the deeper walkthrough, practical framing, and next-step questions for your family.

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