Complex Pediatric Conditions Root Cause Care
Reviewed by Dr. Martin Hart , DC & Dr. Koji Aoki, DC
PANS, PANDAS & Neuroimmune-Related Concerns
A Root-Cause Functional Medicine Approach for Children With Complex Neuroimmune Conditions
Children with complex health conditions such as PANS, PANDAS, and other neuroimmune or inflammatory presentations often experience sudden or unexplained changes that can affect behavior, mood, cognition, energy, and overall well-being. For families, this can feel overwhelming—especially when answers are unclear or care feels fragmented.
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At Keystone Total Health, we specialize in providing root-cause functional medicine evaluations for children with complex pediatric conditions. Our approach focuses on understanding why symptoms are occurring by carefully evaluating immune function, inflammation, infections, gut health, environmental exposures, and other underlying contributors that may be affecting a child’s health.
Understanding PANS, PANDAS & Complex Pediatric Conditions
Helping Your Child Regain Their Health
PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) and PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections) are conditions in which immune dysregulation and inflammation may contribute to sudden-onset behavioral, emotional, or neurological symptoms.
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While PANS/PANDAS are often discussed in isolation, many children present with overlapping factors such as chronic inflammation, immune stress, infections, gut dysfunction, nutrient imbalances, or environmental exposures. For this reason, a comprehensive, systems-based approach is often essential.
Common Symptoms We See in Complex Pediatric Cases
Symptoms can vary widely and may fluctuate over time. Patterns we commonly see include:
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Sudden or severe anxiety
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Behavioral or emotional changes
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Mood swings or irritability
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Obsessive or compulsive behaviors
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Attention or focus difficulties
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Sleep disturbances
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Fatigue or low energy
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Digestive issues
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Sensory sensitivities
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Regression in skills or development
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Because symptoms may span multiple systems, children are often evaluated by multiple providers without a clear unifying explanation.
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If you suspect that your child may be suffering from PANS or PANDAS, it’s crucial to seek help from a provider who understands the complexities of these disorders. At Keystone Total Health, we are dedicated to being your trusted partner in navigating this challenging journey together.
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We know all this can be overwhelming by yourself so we're offering a Complimentary Screening for everyone we can help on the PANS/PANDAS journey. It's time your family felt great.
This FAQ addresses common questions about complex pediatric conditions, including PANS/PANDAS and immune-driven neurobehavioral symptoms. Our goal is to provide clear, parent-friendly education and explain how Keystone Total Health supports families in Columbia, TN, the Nashville area, and nationwide.
What are complex pediatric conditions?
Complex pediatric conditions involve multi-system patterns affecting immune function, inflammation, neurological regulation, digestion, and environmental or infectious stressors.
What are PANS and PANDAS?
PANS and PANDAS are pediatric conditions characterized by sudden-onset neurobehavioral symptoms that may be associated with immune activation and triggering events such as infections.
What does sudden onset in PANS/PANDAS look like?
Sudden onset may include abrupt changes in behavior, anxiety, mood, cognition, sleep, or motor function that appear rapidly rather than gradually.
Can mold exposure affect children?
Yes. Mold-related illness may contribute to immune and inflammatory stress in children, especially when combined with other stressors.
Can Lyme disease affect pediatric health?
In some cases, Lyme-related patterns may contribute to neurological, immune, or inflammatory symptoms in children.
How is pediatric care approached at Keystone Total Health?
Care focuses on understanding immune regulation, inflammation, gut health, nutrient status, and environmental or infectious contributors in a personalized and supportive manner.
Is testing always required?
Testing is individualized and only used when it adds clarity. Not every child requires extensive testing.
Do families travel for pediatric care?
Yes. Families travel from across the U.S. to Keystone Total Health in Columbia, TN for comprehensive evaluation and intensive support.
Conventional evaluations may focus on individual symptoms rather than how immune activation, inflammation, infections, gut health, and environmental factors interact within a child’s body.
At Keystone Total Health, we take time to understand:
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What may have triggered symptom onset
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Why symptoms are persisting
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Which systems may be perpetuating imbalance
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How a child’s unique physiology responds to stressors
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This deeper investigation helps create a clearer, more organized understanding of the child’s health picture.
Prepare for an Entirely Different Approach
Why Choose Keystone Total Health?
At Keystone Total Health, we are committed to providing compassionate, holistic care tailored to your child’s needs. Our goal is to establish a strong foundation of sustainable wellness so we’re not only “fixing the problem” but also providing long-term guidance, education, and empowerment to those in our care.
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Holistic Care Approach
We believe in treating the whole person rather than just the symptoms. Our team focuses on understanding the underlying causes of your child’s condition through integrative approaches that encompass both physical and mental health.
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Comprehensive Assessments
Our comprehensive evaluations consider the child’s medical history, family background, and environmental factors. We utilize advanced diagnostic tools and methodologies to accurately assess the condition.
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Personalized Treatment Plans
Every child is unique, and so is their journey to wellness. We create tailored treatment plans that may include nutritional counseling, lifestyle modifications, supplements, and mind-body therapies to promote healing.
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Collaboration with Specialists
At Keystone Total Health, we collaborate with various specialists, including neurologists, psychologists, and nutritionists, to ensure a well-rounded approach to care. This interdisciplinary strategy allows us to address all aspects of your child’s health.
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Commitment to Ongoing Care
Recovery from PANS/PANDAS can be a long journey. At Keystone Total Health, we are committed to providing ongoing support and follow-up care to ensure your child’s continued progress.
PANS/PANDAS can already be overwhelming for children and their families, and the impact of compounding misdiagnoses and mistreatments can quickly spiral into grave health dangers. Let’s work together to ensure this does not happen to your child, and instead let’s help them thrive.
"Our daughter had been bed ridden and in constant pain for 10 years. Our doctors didn’t have any answers and we were watching her fade away. She was reduced to a wheelchair so we flew to the other side of the world as a last resort ,this to us was a massive gamble. We arrived in the US and our first appointment with Dr Martin Hart changed our lives forever. We saw the benefits from day one and our daughter can now lead a normal life.”
David E., patient, Keystone Total Health
Here’s How We’ll Do This Together
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Book Your Keystone Root Cause Analysis™
During your initial one-hour appointment with one of our practitioners, the Keystone Root Cause Analysis™ provides a comprehensive, root-cause evaluation that reviews physical, environmental, and social factors to understand your symptoms and identify personalized next steps.
Advanced Functional Evaluation for Children
Through the Keystone Root Cause Intensive™, advanced functional testing may be used when appropriate to gain deeper insight into immune response, inflammation, gut health, detoxification pathways, nutrient status, and other contributors relevant to complex pediatric conditions.
All testing is selected carefully, explained thoroughly, and interpreted within the context of the child’s full health history and current presentation.
Common Symptoms We See in Complex Pediatric Cases
A Thoughtful, Family-Centered Evaluation
Care for complex pediatric conditions is guided by a structured root-cause framework that considers:
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Immune and inflammatory patterns
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History of infections or immune triggers
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Gut and digestive health
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Nutrient and mineral status
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Detoxification capacity and environmental exposures
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Stress response and nervous system balance
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Rather than focusing on a single diagnosis, we evaluate how these systems interact and where support may be needed.
A Supportive, Education-Focused Partnership
We recognize that supporting a child with complex health needs affects the entire family. Our role is to provide clear explanations, thoughtful guidance, and structured next steps—so parents feel informed, supported, and empowered throughout the process.
Pediatric Care Through the Keystone Root Cause Intensive™
At Keystone Total Health, care for complex pediatric conditions is typically provided through the Keystone Root Cause Intensive™, a focused, all-inclusive program designed to provide clarity and direction within a structured timeframe.
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The process includes:
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A complimentary discovery call with parents or caregivers
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The Keystone Root Cause Analysis™ (new client appointment)
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Advanced functional evaluation when appropriate
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A personalized, family-centered care plan
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Ongoing support and reassessment
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Follow-up visits after the Intensive may be conducted virtually when appropriate, offering flexibility for families.
Who Pediatric Root Cause Care Is Best Suited For
This approach may be a good fit if your child:
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Has sudden or unexplained behavioral or emotional changes
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Has been diagnosed with or suspected of having PANS/PANDAS
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Has complex or multisystem symptoms
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Has not found clarity through conventional care alone
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Has parents seeking a thoughtful, physician-led evaluation
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This care is not intended for emergencies or acute medical situations.
Pediatric Care Through the
Keystone Root Cause Intensive™
A Supportive, Education-Focused Partnership
At Keystone Total Health We recognize that supporting a child with complex health needs affects the entire family. Our role is to provide clear explanations, thoughtful guidance, and structured next steps—so parents feel informed, supported, and empowered throughout the process.
​
Care for complex pediatric conditions is typically provided through the Keystone Root Cause Intensive™, a focused, all-inclusive program designed to provide clarity and direction within a structured timeframe.
​
The process includes:
​
-
A complimentary discovery call with parents or caregivers
-
The Keystone Root Cause Analysis™ (new client appointment)
-
Advanced functional evaluation when appropriate
-
A personalized, family-centered care plan
-
Ongoing support and reassessment
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Follow-up visits after the Intensive may be conducted virtually when appropriate, offering flexibility for families.
