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Inside Lyme Podcast with Dr. Daniel CameronAuthor: Dr. Daniel Cameron
You are listening to a show dedicated to discussing actual cases. Dr. Cameron has been treating adolescents and adults with Lyme disease and related tick-borne infections for more than 30 years. The advice given is general and not intended as specific advice as to any particular patient. If you require specific advice, you will need to seek that advice from an experienced professional. Language: en-us Genres: Health & Fitness, Medicine Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Overwhelmed with PANS and Lyme disease
Episode 23
Wednesday, 6 November, 2024
Lyme and PANS: A Critical Connection in TeenagersAt just 16, my patient found herself facing a complex and overwhelming set of symptoms. What began as ordinary teenage stress evolved into something far more debilitating—raging outbursts, severe compulsions, motor and vocal tics, and memory problems. Her academic performance plummeted, and her social life disintegrated. Diagnosed with Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS), she and her family embarked on a challenging journey for answers.PANS, a condition characterized by the sudden onset of severe neuropsychiatric symptoms, is often triggered by infections or autoimmune responses. These symptoms include obsessive-compulsive behaviors, severe anxiety, and a wide array of neurological issues. In my patient's case, the impact was profound, disrupting nearly every aspect of her life.A Frustrating Treatment JourneyHer school quickly implemented a 504 plan to accommodate her needs, but even with these supports, she struggled to attend classes regularly. The academic gaps widened, and the isolation grew. Initially, her treatment focused on intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy, a standard approach for PANS aimed at modulating the immune system. Unfortunately, despite several courses of IVIG, her symptoms persisted, leading to a sense of despair for both her and her family.The Lyme Disease ConnectionIt wasn’t until the family explored further that they discovered a potential link between Lyme disease and PANS. Lyme disease, transmitted by ticks and caused by the Borrelia burgdorferi bacterium, is notorious for its wide range of symptoms, many of which can overlap with neuropsychiatric disorders. When Lyme disease enters the picture, it can trigger or exacerbate PANS, leading to an even more complicated clinical scenario.Upon testing, my patient was diagnosed with Lyme disease and a co-infection, which had gone undetected. The realization that these infections were contributing to her PANS symptoms was a breakthrough. She began antibiotic therapy, which is often essential in treating Lyme disease, especially when co-infections are involved. Over time, this approach started to pay off—her symptoms gradually improved, the rage outbursts and compulsions became less frequent, and her cognitive function began to recover.
