Understanding PANS, PANDAS, and Lyme Disease
Podcast Spotlight: Cristina McMullen on Integrative Lyme Solutions
Longevity Health Center’s Bioenergetic Practitioner Cristina McMullen recently sat down with Dr. Michael Karlfeldt, host of the Integrative Lyme Solutions podcast, for an in-depth discussion on pediatric neuroimmune conditions and integrative healing.
In this compelling conversation, Cristina dives deep into PANS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) and PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorder Associated with Streptococcal Infections), shedding light on how these often-misunderstood conditions intersect with Lyme disease and chronic infections.
Understanding the Root of Complex Pediatric Symptoms
Children with PANS or PANDAS can experience sudden and dramatic changes in behavior, mood, cognition, and physical health. Cristina explains why these symptoms are frequently misdiagnosed or overlooked and how infections such as Lyme, strep, and other immune triggers can play a central role in driving neuroinflammation.
Drawing from her own professional journey, she shares the realities of diagnosing and treating these complex conditions, especially when conventional approaches fall short. Her insights offer both clarity and validation for families navigating confusing and often overwhelming healthcare paths.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode
This jam-packed episode offers practical, actionable information, including:
- Key symptoms and red flags of PANS and PANDAS
- The role of infections, including Lyme disease, in triggering neuropsychiatric symptoms
- How immune dysfunction and inflammation impact the developing brain
- The use of bioenergetic testing to uncover hidden stressors
- Integrative treatment strategies, including herbal and natural remedies
- Why individualized care is essential for meaningful recovery
Cristina emphasizes a whole-child approach that looks beyond symptoms to address underlying immune and infectious drivers, offering a roadmap rooted in both science and compassion.
A Message of Hope for Families
Perhaps most importantly, this episode delivers something every parent and caregiver needs: hope. Cristina shares why recovery is possible and how the right combination of testing, treatment, and support can help children regain their health and quality of life.
If you’re a parent, practitioner, or advocate seeking deeper understanding of PANS, PANDAS, and their connection to Lyme disease, this episode is a must-listen.
