PANS/PANDAS Awareness Day
Fast Facts
- WHAT
- Raises awareness and promotes education on the medical condition known as PANS/PANDAS
- WHEN
- Celebrated each year on October 9
- STAT
- 1 in 200 children are diagnosed each year
- VIBE
- Informational, Educational, Supportive
PANS/PANDAS AWARENESS DAY
PANS/PANDAS Awareness Day on October 9 sets out to increase research, education, and support those affected by Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndromes (PANS) and Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS).
#PANSPANDASAwarenessDay
Nearly 1 in 200 children are diagnosed with PANS and PANDAS in the U.S. each year. Symptoms of PANS and PANDAS come on suddenly following a strep, bacterial, or viral infection.
PANDAS is often misdiagnosed. The symptoms can diminish or remit. However, relapse occurs increasing in duration and intensity over time. Some causes of relapse include repeated infections and environmental triggers. Early diagnosis can result in long-term remission. Treatments include antibiotics, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg), and plasmapheresis among other treatments.
Common PANS/PANDAS Symptoms
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Tics
Sudden onset Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Deterioration in skills
Begins refusing foods and become selective in foods they will eat
Anxiety
Depression
Reduced performance at school
Sensitive to touch and sound
Sleep changes
Hyperactivity
Uncontrolled movements
Rheumatic pain
More research is needed to improve early diagnosis and treatment. Research will also help physicians better understand the condition. PANS/PANDAS Awareness Day encourages everyone to learn more about the condition, recognize the symptoms, and support families with a loved one diagnosed with the disease.
5 WAYS TO SUPPORT PANS/PANDAS AWARENESS DAY
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Speak to your state representatives to support a proclamation of PANS/PANDAS Awareness Day. Many states have already proclaimed the day.
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Make a donation to support research so we can find a cure for this disease.
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Share your experiences with PANS/PANDAS with people, especially those parents whose children are newly diagnosed. Your voice can make a difference to them.
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Visit pandasnetwork.org for more information on PANS/PANDAS, to learn about the work being done, and how you can help.
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Use the hashtag #PANSPANDASAwarenessDay to show your support on social media.
PANS PANDAS AWARENESS DAY HISTORY
In 2009, several parents and physicians created the PANDA Network. The organization set out to provide support for families enduring PANDAS. It was during this time they also began promoting PANS/PANDAS Awareness Day.
