PANS/PANDAS Awareness Day: Advocating for Evidence-Based Combination Therapies

Exploring Therapies for PANS/PANDAS Awareness Day

Following PANS/PANDAS Awareness Day on October 9, we aim to continue efforts to raise awareness throughout this month. It is important to highlight the potential of innovative approaches for children suffering from these complex and debilitating conditions. PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) and PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections) often manifest through sudden obsessive-compulsive symptoms and other neuropsychiatric issues, frequently triggered by infections or autoimmune responses.  

Neuronic’s Consultation Coordinator, Brooke Hill, had the opportunity to attend Awareness Day at the Texas State Capitol. We extend our gratitude to all the families who shared their testimonials, as well as the legislators and dedicated doctors who tirelessly support these children.

Photo credit: Texas Pandas/Pans Advocacy & Awareness group on Facebook, October 15th, 2024.

At Neuronic, we have the privilege of collaborating with neuroscientists and healthcare providers who combine transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM) with modalities such as transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS), transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), audio-visual entrainment (AVE), Neurofeedback, hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT), physical therapy, as well as functional and regenerative medicine. Clinical experience and emerging evidence suggest that when paired with photobiomodulation, these modalities often yield more significant results than when used as standalone therapies. We advocate for increased research and collaboration among healthcare providers to explore combination therapies that integrate neuromodulation interventions. 

Evidence-Based Support for Neuromodulation Interventions

Research has shown that neuromodulation techniques can effectively target and remodel dysfunctional neural circuits associated with various neurological and psychiatric disorders. For instance, studies have demonstrated that non-invasive methods like transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) and transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) produce positive outcomes in relieving symptoms associated with addiction, depression, chronic pain, chronic fatigue, long COVID, and autism spectrum by modulating specific brain regions involved in these disorders. Dave Siever explains in this recording (47:44 - 58:10) examples of how clients’ OCD and tics are resolved using tDCS and AVE.

We have testimonials of remarkable transformations in clients who incorporate these modalities. One notable case involved a client with PANS and mold exposure who had been using tPBM for a year. Despite ongoing mold exposure, he experienced improvements in mood, gut motility, and sleep. However, it was the addition of swLORETA neurofeedback alongside tPBM that led to a dramatic shift in his condition. Within three sessions, he transitioned from being homebound for two years to thriving in school, with significant reductions in OCD and anxiety. His sleep quality improved and he discontinued ADHD medications. This was a client who had previously addressed underlying root causes through functional medicine, to optimize gut, diet, autoantibodies, infections, detox and methylation pathways but had become ill after a second mold exposure. After two months of neurofeedback at Austin Biofeedback, follow-up brain mapping revealed an increase in alpha waves and a decrease in excess beta waves, correlating with his improvements. 

Similarly, Roger Lee, a clinician in Hong Kong, initiates therapy using swLORETA neurofeedback, which demonstrates clear benefits for his clients. However, when he integrates transcranial photobiomodulation (tPBM), the results become significantly more pronounced.  One case frequently referenced involves a child with autism spectrum disorder who after adding tPBM, not only improved communication skills but was able to draw beautiful dinosaurs. Follow this link for the full recording of this case.

Encouraged by these results, Neuronic is sponsoring a case series involving several adolescent PANS clients with similar health histories, to assess the reproducibility of outcomes evidenced when combining neurofeedback and tPBM. Based on the findings, we hope to collaborate with an organization to conduct a larger, more comprehensive study. 

Potential Benefits of Neuromodulation Interventions

Neuromodulation interventions can offer potential benefits for children with PANS/PANDAS or other chronic illnesses:

• Detoxification: tPBM has been shown to enhance the brain's waste removal systems, aiding in the elimination of toxins from the brain.
• Increased Energy: By improving mitochondrial function and enhancing ATP production, tPBM can boost overall energy levels.
• Immunomodulation: Neuromodulation techniques can help regulate immune responses and reduce inflammation.
• Cognitive Enhancement: These interventions can support overall brain health by promoting neuroplasticity to improve attention, memory, and emotional regulation.

Timing of Interventions

The timing of introducing neuromodulation modalities is important for maximizing their effectiveness. Utilizing near-infrared tPBM can enhance cerebral blood flow and neuroplasticity, making the brain more receptive to subsequent therapies. Neurofeedback practitioners have reported that some clients need fewer sessions to achieve the same outcome, if they have incorporated tPBM.

Conclusion

As we raise awareness about PANS/PANDAS this month, let us also consider the potential of combining evidence-based neuromodulation therapies. By exploring specific combinations of interventions, we can potentially change lives for the better. We invite those in healthcare to find a practitioner near you to collaborate with and expand your toolbox further to help PANS/PANDAS kids get better faster. Together, we can provide hope through interventions that truly make a difference.

Thank you for your commitment to improving the lives of children affected by PANS/PANDAS.

Reach out to the following organizations to learn more about PANS/PANDAS:

• PANDAS Network: The leading organization focused on raising awareness and supporting research for PANDAS/PANS.
• PANDAS Physicians Network (PPN): Dedicated to helping medical professionals understand PANDAS/PANS through real-time information and networking.
• Look. Foundation: Focuses on ensuring timely diagnosis and treatment for children and young adults with PANS/PANDAS.
• Neuroimmune Foundation: Provides peer-to-peer support for families affected by PANS/PANDAS and other neuroimmune disorders.
• ASPIRE: An organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals affected by PANS/PANDAS through advocacy and community support.