Summary of the content:
1. Challenging Traditional Theories
2. The Role of Rogue B Cells and Alternative Insights
3. Treatment Paradigm Shifts: Micro-immunotherapy
(If you click on it, you will go directly to that part of the post)
What if PANDAS and PANS are not just autoimmune disorders, but the result of an overactive immune response?
In her insightful article, Stella Chadwick, founder of Brainstorm Health® Clinic, challenges the traditional understanding of PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) and PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections) by proposing a fresh perspective on their underlying mechanisms. The article highlights micro-immunotherapy for PANDAS and PANS as a targeted and suited approach to effectively treating these conditions at the root.
Challenging Traditional Theories
Traditional View:
For years, PANDAS—characterised by symptoms like OCD and tics following a strep infection—was thought to be triggered by molecular mimicry, where pathogens mimic human cells, confusing the immune system.
Latest Findings:
However, new research from the Garvan Institute suggests a different mechanism:
– The immune system may go into overdrive, producing rogue immune cells that continue attacking the body.
– This redefines PANDAS, suggesting it might not be a typical autoimmune disorder but instead a result of a hyperactive immune response.
– Similar implications arise for PANS, a condition that shares symptoms with PANDAS but is triggered by various infections, indicating that conventional treatments might need to be reevaluated.
The Role of Rogue B Cells and Alternative Insights
Key Insight from Research:
– A recent Garvan study showed that patients with hepatitis C developed persistent, harmful rogue B cells, even after clearing the virus, a situation that might also occur in PANDAS and PANS.
– On the other hand, Dr Dritan Agalliu proposes that a compromised blood-brain barrier could allow immune cells to enter the brain, causing PANDAS symptoms.
– This suggests that the condition could be due to rogue B cells or weakened brain defences, or both. Understanding these dual mechanisms provides a more comprehensive perspective on why some children develop these disorders.
Treatment Paradigm Shifts: Micro-immunotherapy
Addressing chronic immune activation, rather than just the infection, seems crucial in managing PANDAS and PANS.
Why Traditional Treatments May Fall Short:
Antibiotics alone might not resolve these conditions at the root, thus highlighting the potential of micro-immunotherapy.
How Micro-immunotherapy Helps:
– Micro-immunotherapy is a treatment that uses low doses of immune messengers to restore immune balance without suppressing immunity.
– A case study demonstrated significant improvement using this approach, suggesting that targeting underlying immune dysfunction is essential.
– This paradigm shift in understanding and treatment offers new hope for those dealing with these complex conditions.
Want to learn more?
For an in-depth exploration of these findings and the role of micro-immunotherapy in PANDAS and PANS treatment be sure to read Stella Chadwick’s full article.
