Starting your journey with PANS/PANDAS can feel like learning a whole new language. One filled with medical jargon, complicated acronyms, and scientific concepts that can be overwhelming at first. I’ve been there, flipping through books and articles, trying to make sense of what all these terms meant and how they related to my child’s health. This glossary is here to help. It breaks down the terms you’re most likely to hear from doctors, see in lab reports, or come across in your own research, so you can feel more confident, clear, and empowered.
Brain, Mood & Nervous System Terms
NeuroInflammation
Inflammation in the brain that can cause everything from anxiety and OCD to rage and regression. It’s at the root of many PANS symptoms.
Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB)
A selective barrier that protects the brain from harmful substances in the blood while allowing essential nutrients to pass through. A compromised BBB can allow inflammatory molecules to enter the brain, contributing to neuroinflammation.
Dopamine
A neurotransmitter involved in mood, motivation, and motor control. Imbalances in dopamine levels can contribute to conditions like ADHD, OCD, and mood disorders, which are often seen in PANS/PANDAS.
Limbic System
The part of the brain involved in emotion, behavior, and long-term memory. Dysfunction in the limbic system can contribute to anxiety, mood swings, and aggression.
Microglia
The brain’s immune cells. When activated by infection or toxins, they can create inflammation that disrupts mood, sleep, and behavior.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
A condition marked by intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive actions (compulsions). A hallmark symptom of PANS/PANDAS.
Vagus Nerve
A major nerve that connects the brain to the body. It helps regulate digestion, heart rate, stress responses, and immune activity, and it’s often out of balance in PANS kids (and parents in the trenches).
Tics
Sudden, repetitive movements or sounds. They often appear during flares and are neurological, not behavioral.
Rage Episodes
Intense, sudden outbursts of anger or aggression that can seem to come out of nowhere. Often linked to neuroinflammation.
Separation Anxiety
Extreme fear or distress when away from a parent or caregiver. One of the earliest signs of a flare in many kids.
Intrusive Thoughts
Unwanted, scary, or disturbing thoughts that loop in the brain. They’re symptoms of OCD and brain inflammation.
Infections & Immune System
PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome)
A condition where the immune system attacks the brain after an infection, triggering sudden changes in behavior, mood, and cognitive function.
PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Strep)
A subtype of PANS caused specifically by a strep infection.
Autoimmunity
When the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues, like the brain, joints, or thyroid.
Molecular Mimicry
The mechanism behind autoimmunity in PANS/PANDAS: the immune system confuses brain tissue for an infection and attacks both.
Cytokines
Chemical messengers used by the immune system. When too many are released, it can lead to a “cytokine storm,” worsening inflammation.
Natural Killer (NK) Cells
Immune cells that fight viruses and cancer. Low or dysfunctional NK cells are common in chronic illness.
Histamine
A compound involved in immune reactions. Too much histamine can cause anxiety, rashes, or gut issues.
MCAS (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome)
A condition where the body releases too many inflammatory chemicals (like histamine), often in response to food, stress, or toxins.
Mycoplasma
A bacteria that can trigger PANS-like symptoms, especially in the lungs. It’s hard to detect and often chronic.
Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV)
A common virus (causes mono) that can linger in the body and drive chronic fatigue, mood issues, and autoimmunity.
Lyme Disease
A tick-borne infection that can cause neurological and psychiatric symptoms. Often overlaps with PANS/PANDAS.
Babesia
A malaria-like parasite that often co-infects with Lyme. Can cause fatigue, dizziness, and panic-like symptoms.
Bartonella
Another common Lyme co-infection that can cause anxiety, rages, foot pain, and stretch-mark-like rashes.
Genetics & Biochemistry
Genetics
The code you’re born with, your DNA blueprint.
Epigenetics
How your environment, diet, and stress turn genes on or off, without changing the actual DNA.
Methylation
A critical detox and repair process in the body. When methylation is sluggish, everything slows down, including healing.
MTHFR
A gene that helps your body process folate and methylate properly. Variants can affect detox, mood, and inflammation.
COMT
A gene that helps break down stress chemicals like dopamine and adrenaline. Variants can impact emotional regulation and reactivity.
PEMT
A gene involved in liver function and cell membranes. Mutations can make it harder to detox or handle fatty foods.
SNPs (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms)
Tiny variations in your genes that can influence how your body handles toxins, nutrients, and infections.
Amino Acids
The building blocks of protein. Critical for healing, mood balance, detox, and immune health.
Glutathione
Your body’s master antioxidant. Helps neutralize toxins and protect the brain. Often low in kids with chronic inflammation.
Mitochondria
The “powerhouses” of your cells. When they’re not working well, kids may feel tired, foggy, or emotionally flat.
Detoxification & Toxins
Detox Pathways
The routes your body uses to get rid of toxins, like the liver, kidneys, lymph, and gut. They need to be open before using binders.
Binders
Substances that “grab” toxins in the gut and carry them out. Examples: activated charcoal, chlorella, zeolite, pectin.
Chelation
A method (natural or medical) that binds to heavy metals so the body can excrete them.
Phase I & II Liver Detox
Two stages your liver uses to neutralize and eliminate toxins. Both need the right nutrients to function well.
Herxheimer Reaction (Herx)
A “die-off” reaction, when your child’s symptoms temporarily worsen because toxins or pathogens are being released too quickly.
Endotoxins
Toxins released by dying bacteria. These can cause inflammation and are often behind Herx reactions.
HMTA (Hair Mineral Tissue Analysis)
A test that measures minerals and metals in hair. Helps assess long-term exposure and nutritional imbalances.
Mold & Mycotoxin Illness
Symptoms caused by exposure to mold toxins. Can trigger anxiety, fatigue, rages, and immune dysfunction, especially in PANS kids.
Gut Health
Leaky Gut
A condition where the gut lining becomes damaged or too permeable, allowing toxins, pathogens, or undigested food particles to enter the bloodstream. This can trigger immune responses, inflammation, and even brain symptoms. Leaky gut is common in kids with PANS/PANDAS, often caused by chronic infections, food sensitivities, mold, or environmental toxins.
Intestinal Barrier
The protective lining of the digestive tract that acts like a security gate, letting nutrients in and keeping harmful substances out. When the intestinal barrier is strong, it supports healthy digestion and immune balance. When it’s compromised (as in leaky gut), the risk of inflammation, food reactions, and systemic symptoms increases.
Dysbiosis
An imbalance in the gut microbiome, when harmful bacteria, yeast, or pathogens outweigh the beneficial ones. Dysbiosis can lead to poor digestion, immune dysfunction, mood changes, and inflammation. It’s common in kids with chronic illness, especially after antibiotics, infections, or poor diet.
Treatment Modalities and Testing
Cunningham Panel
A lab test that looks for brain-targeting autoantibodies. Often used to help confirm a PANS/PANDAS diagnosis.
IVIG (Intravenous Immunoglobulin)
An infusion of antibodies that helps reset the immune system. Often used in moderate to severe cases.
Plasmapheresis (PLEX)
A medical procedure that filters harmful antibodies out of the blood. Used in severe, resistant autoimmune cases.
Neurofeedback
A therapy that trains the brain to regulate itself using real-time brainwave feedback. Often used for focus, anxiety, and sleep.
Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA)
A blood test that checks for autoimmune activity. Positive results may indicate an overactive immune system.
ASO Titer
A test for recent strep exposure. High levels may trigger PANDAS symptoms in susceptible kids.
C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
A marker of inflammation in the blood. Elevated during flares.
Immunoglobulins (IgA, IgG, IgM, IgE)
Different types of antibodies that reflect immune strength, allergies, or past infections.
TGF-β1 (Transforming Growth Factor Beta-1)
A cytokine involved in inflammation and immune signaling. Often elevated in mold illness and chronic immune issues.
Herbal and Natural Medicine Terms
Alteratives
Gentle herbs that support the body’s natural detox process over time. Examples: burdock, red clover.
Antioxidants
Compounds that fight oxidative stress and protect cells. Found in herbs like turmeric and foods like blueberries.
Demulcents
Soothing herbs that calm irritated tissues, especially in the gut or lungs. Examples: slippery elm, marshmallow root.
Phytochemicals
Natural plant compounds (like flavonoids) that have anti-inflammatory and healing effects.
Nervines
Herbs that calm, nourish, or support the nervous system. They can be relaxing (like chamomile), uplifting (like lemon balm), or tonifying (like skullcap).
Bitters
Herbs that stimulate digestion by activating bitter receptors in the mouth and gut. They support bile flow, enzyme production, and liver function. Examples: gentian, dandelion root, orange peel.
Prebiotics
Fibers or plant compounds that feed beneficial gut bacteria. Herbs like burdock root, dandelion root, and chicory are rich in prebiotics.
Antimicrobials
Herbs that help fight bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. Common ones include garlic, oregano, berberine-containing plants (like Oregon grape), and pau d’arco.
Lymphagogues
Herbs that promote movement of lymph fluid, helping clear toxins and reduce congestion. Examples: cleavers, red root, calendula.
Glycerites
Herbal extracts made with vegetable glycerin instead of alcohol. Ideal for kids and sensitive individuals, they’re gentler and taste sweeter. Not all herbs extract well in glycerin, but many nervines and immune supports do.
This glossary will keep growing as I do. If you see something missing feel free to reach out. I’m always updating this page to make it more useful for parents navigating the same steep learning curve I had to climb. You’re not alone, and the more you understand, the more confident you’ll feel choosing what’s right for your child.