Pandas doctors near me
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Meet our practitioners who specialize in natural PANDAS treatment
Recommended health tests for PANDAS
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
At-Home Lab Test
Collect your sample and do your consultations at home, on you own time, and receive your secure result in just days on any device
How it works
Consult with our health coaches who will learn about your symptoms, habits, and goals.
Take personalized home health tests to discover potential root causes of any symptoms or conditions you may have.
Review your results in just days with our functional medicine doctors, nurses, and dietitians who will help you achieve optimal health.
Learn about PANDAS
PANDAS, which stands for Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal infections, is a disorder that disrupts a child's life in significant ways. This condition emerges in childhood and is marked by a dramatic onset of neuropsychiatric symptoms following a Group A streptococcal infection. Its prevalence is not precisely known, but it is considered a rare condition. Given its impact, understanding natural treatment options for PANDAS is crucial for many parents and caregivers seeking holistic approaches to support their child's health and well-being.
Causes
PANDAS is triggered by a misdirected immune response to a streptococcal infection, such as strep throat or scarlet fever. In PANDAS, rather than just fighting the infection, the immune system mistakenly attacks parts of the brain, leading to inflammation and a subset of neuropsychiatric symptoms. The exact mechanism of this autoimmune response is not fully understood, but the correlation between strep infections and subsequent onset of PANDAS symptoms is well-documented.
Signs and symptoms
- Obsessive-compulsive behaviors - Tics (sudden, repetitive movements or sounds) - Emotional lability (rapid, exaggerated changes in mood) - Oppositional behaviors - Attention difficulties - Anxiety and fearfulness - Night-time bedwetting and daytime urinary frequency - Motor or sensory abnormalities - Decreased handwriting ability
Diagnosing PANDAS
Diagnosing PANDAS can be challenging since there is no single test that confirms its presence. Instead, healthcare providers rely on a combination of medical history, symptom presentation, and the temporal relationship between strep infections and neuropsychiatric symptom exacerbations. Tests may include throat cultures for streptococcus, blood tests for strep antibodies, and other assessments to rule out alternative causes for the symptoms.
Prevention and natural treatment
Prevention: Given the link between streptococcal infections and PANDAS, prompt and effective treatment of strep throat and other Group A strep infections is crucial. Good hygiene practices and avoiding close contact with individuals who have a strep infection can also be helpful preventive measures. Treatment: While conventional treatment for PANDAS may involve antibiotics, immune therapies, or psychiatric medications, there are also natural treatment strategies that can support a child's recovery and well-being. These include: - Anti-inflammatory diet: Adopting a diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods can help reduce inflammation in the body and support immune function. Foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and fiber are beneficial. - Probiotics: Since gut health is closely linked to immune function and mood regulation, probiotics may help restore a healthy gut microbiome, potentially mitigating some PANDAS symptoms. - Supplements: Certain supplements like omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, and zinc may support neurological health and reduce inflammation. However, these should be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional. - Behavioral therapies: Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and other behavioral approaches can be effective in managing obsessive-compulsive behaviors and anxiety. - Stress-reduction techniques: Practices such as yoga, meditation, and deep breathing exercises can help reduce stress and anxiety, which can exacerbate symptoms. It's important for treatments to be tailored to each child's specific symptoms and needs, and for any natural treatment approach to be discussed with a healthcare provider skilled in both pediatric care and integrative medicine. Collaboration between healthcare providers, parents, and the child can lead to the most effective treatment plan for managing PANDAS.
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