The Neurometabolic Rebound Cycle

The brain's normal way of bouncing back after illness

When a child gets sick, their brain works overtime to fight back. This increases nutrient demand while inflammation can impair absorption and rapidly use up existing reserves. Normally, the brain recovers once the infection is gone.

1

Illness / Immune Activation

A bacterial or viral infection triggers the immune system and neuroinflammation.

2

Nutrient Demand Increases

The brain needs more nutrients for energy production, neurotransmitter synthesis, immune regulation, and recovery.

3

Inflammation Impairs Absorption

Inflammation can block absorption, increase oxidative stress, and rapidly consume nutrient reserves.

4

Infection Resolves

The immune system clears the infection and inflammation begins to calm down.

5

Brain Rebounds

Nutrients are restored, inflammation decreases, and the brain returns to balance and baseline functioning.

When reserves are enough, the brain rebounds and returns to baseline.
Important distinction: This visual explains the normal rebound cycle. It does not claim nutrient deficiency causes PANS/PANDAS. The hypothesis asks whether progressive nutrient depletion may help explain why some children cannot fully rebound.
Scroll to Top