Pediatric Autoimmune and Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Conditions

PANS & PANDAS Treatment Portland, Oregon

Families seeking PANS & PANDAS treatment often arrive after a confusing and stressful journey. When a child experiences a sudden onset of obsessive-compulsive behaviors, anxiety, tics, mood changes, behavioral regression, sensory sensitivities, or other neuropsychiatric symptoms, it can be difficult to find clear answers. At Willow Natural Health, Dr. Cori Burke provides comprehensive, evidence-informed evaluation and treatment for children and adolescents with PANS and PANDAS throughout Portland, Milwaukie, and across Oregon. Her approach focuses on identifying potential underlying triggers, addressing immune and inflammatory contributors, and supporting the whole child through individualized, compassionate care.

Compassionate Care for PANS/PANDAS in Oregon

Living with PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) or PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections) can be challenging and overwhelming for both children and their families. The sudden onset of symptoms, dramatic changes in behavior, and uncertainty surrounding diagnosis often leave families searching for answers and support.

Because PANS and PANDAS can affect so many aspects of a child’s functioning, families often encounter providers who interpret symptoms as purely psychiatric or behavioral, delaying appropriate medical evaluation and treatment. In reality, growing evidence suggests that immune dysfunction, inflammation, infections, and other physiological triggers may play an important role in symptom development for many children.

Dr. Cori Burke provides a thoughtful, collaborative, and medically grounded approach to PANS/PANDAS evaluation and treatment. Her goal is to help families better understand the biological factors contributing to symptoms, identify potential underlying triggers, and develop a personalized care plan that supports long-term healing, resilience, and improved quality of life. Through compassionate partnership with patients, parents, and other healthcare providers, Dr. Burke strives to help families navigate these complex conditions with greater clarity and confidence.

What is PANS/PANDAS?

PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) and PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections) are neuroimmune conditions that occur when immune system dysfunction and inflammation affect the brain and nervous system. In many cases, infections, including streptococcal infections, trigger or worsen symptoms.

Children with PANS or PANDAS typically experience a sudden and dramatic onset of obsessive-compulsive symptoms (OCD), restrictive eating behaviors, motor or vocal tics, or other significant neuropsychiatric changes. These conditions can also cause anxiety, mood changes, behavioral regression, sensory sensitivities, sleep disturbances, urinary symptoms, motor abnormalities, cognitive difficulties, and a noticeable decline in school performance or daily functioning.

Symptoms of PANS & PANDAS

PANS and PANDAS symptoms usually appear abruptly and may fluctuate over time, affecting multiple areas of functioning for a child.

Common symptoms include:

When these symptoms are not recognized as part of one underlying medical condition, families often experience frustration, uncertainty, and delays in receiving appropriate evaluation and support.

What Triggers PANS & PANDAS?

Symptoms of PANS and PANDAS often begin suddenly due to immune activation. Common triggers may include:

• Streptococcal infections (including strep throat)
• Viral infections (including EBV, influenza, COVID-19)
• Lyme disease and co-infections
• Mycoplasma or other bacterial infections
• Mold or other environmental exposures
• Dental infections or inflammation

For many patients, symptoms are not caused by a single trigger but by a combination of immune, inflammatory, and environmental factors.

An Integrative Approach to PANS/PANDAS Care in Portland

PANS/PANDAS care is tailored to the individual patient. Because PANS/PANDAS is often a multi-system inflammatory condition, care may involve addressing not only infections, but also immune dysregulation, autonomic dysfunction, mast cell activation, environmental contributors, sleep disruption, and nervous system stress.

Dr. Cori Burke’s approach includes:

• Comprehensive history and symptom timeline review
• Identification of infectious, inflammatory, and environmental triggers
• Support for immune and inflammatory balance
• Mast cell stabilization strategies when appropriate
• Nervous system regulation support
• Sleep cycle support
• Nutritional and metabolic support
• Coordination with specialists when needed (including psychiatry, neurology, and infectious disease when appropriate)

Care is focused on reducing inflammation, supporting stability, and helping families better understand symptom patterns and triggers over time.

Effective Naturopathic Treatment of PANS & PANDAS in Oregon

Find care for Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome and Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections.

If you are wondering whether PANS or PANDAS may be contributing to your or your child’s symptoms, please reach out to learn more about whether we may be a good fit to work together.