Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS) and Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) are becoming more well-known although previously misunderstood. Both conditions are auto-immune diseases triggered by chronic infections. Strep was the first infection known to cause the disorder hence the name PANDAS. We now know the symptoms can occur after exposure to a virus, bacteria, fungi or toxin that is left untreated, hence the term PANS.

Mold, influenza, Lyme and its co-infections, and many others can trigger PANS. These conditions left unnoticed and/or untreated take the opportunity to stay undetected within the immune system, often within a plaque like bacteria that sticks together called biofilm. This allows the infection to go undetected and can easily be triggered by additional exposure. Plaque on our teeth is one example of biofilm. However, there are biofilms throughout our body including in our major organs and brain. The biofilm is a low oxygen environment that allows anaerobic viruses and bacteria to proliferate. Although the viruses and bacteria can remain dormant for weeks, months and years, flares can easily be triggered that may be mild or severe.

Symptoms of a flare often include fatigue, lethargy, joint pain, fever, allergic symptoms and in many cases, a sudden onset of severe obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Studies have demonstrated the benefits of hyperbarics as it relates to pandas/pans, including:

• Reducing acute and chronic inflammation and reliving tissue and joint inflammation in the body including systemic inflammation in the brain

• Augmenting the effects of antibiotic interventions by disrupting biofilms and increasing tissue oxygen levels helping to kill bacteria