PANS/PANDAS, Seizures & Finding Hope: Emma Horn | Ep17

Emma Horn was 14 years old when she suddenly began having uncontrollable seizures. Her scans came back “normal.” Her bloodwork showed nothing alarming. And multiple doctors told her — and her family — that it was psychological, behavioral, or something she was “pretending.”In this episode of The Rock Bottom Podcast, Emma shares her harrowing journey through severe neurological symptoms, repeated medical dismissal, and years of living trapped inside a body she could not control. Eventually, Emma was diagnosed with PANS/PANDAS, a rare autoimmune condition that can be triggered by infections like strep and staph — even when there are no obvious symptoms.Emma opens up about what it feels like to lose speech, motor skills, memory, and identity while still being fully aware inside. She talks about medical gaslighting, misdiagnosis, insurance barriers, and the emotional toll on both patients and caregivers when answers don’t come easily. This conversation also explores the long, nonlinear road toward healing, the role of immune-based treatment approaches, and what it means to slowly reclaim your life after years of illness.This episode is for anyone who has been told their symptoms are “all in their head,” whose labs don’t explain their suffering, or who feels unseen inside the healthcare system. Emma’s story is a powerful reminder that healing sometimes begins only after someone finally listens.Disclaimer: This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional before making changes to your health routine.Chapters00:00 Coming Up This Episode00:26 Podcast Intro: Emma Horn’s Health Horror Story00:52 Medical Disclaimer (Informational Only)01:06 Technical Note: First Remote Recording01:25 Interview Begins: Take Us Back to Rock Bottom02:27 First Seizure: Losing Control at Age 1402:45 Early Symptoms Before the Seizures03:40 Urgent Care After the First Seizure04:53 Given Benadryl for Seizures05:43 No Tests, No Treatment in the Hospital06:18 “This Seems Like Negligence”08:16 Sent Home While Still Seizing10:07 Arriving at the Memphis ER12:25 Scans Normal, No Clear Answers15:02 Losing Skills, Independence, and Daily Function17:56 Discovering PANS/PANDAS as an Autoimmune Cause26:40 How Healing Finally Began38:25 TrueDose PRP Therapy Explained46:19 Three Months Seizure-Free58:02 “Unknown Known Hacker” and Life After IllnessPresented by Jigsaw Health Because It's Fun to Feel Good