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Senate Co-Sponsorship Memoranda
Senate of Pennsylvania
Session of 2017 - 2018
Regular Session
MEMORANDUM
| Posted: | August 22, 2018 04:11 PM |
|---|---|
| From: | Senator Judith L. Schwank |
| To: | All Senate members |
| Subject: | PANS/PANDAS Awareness Day |
| I will shortly introduce a resolution recognizing October 9 as PANS/PANDAS Awareness Day in Pennsylvania. PANS (Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome) and PANDAS (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal infections) are infection-induced autoimmune conditions that disrupt a child's normal neurologic functioning and result in a sudden and dramatic onset of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and/or motor tics. These often are accompanied by personality and behavioral changes and symptoms such as anorexia, anxiety, irritability, hyperactivity, sleep disturbances, mood swings and urinary problems. PANDAS is mainly distinguished as a subcategory of PANS specifically tied to a streptococcal infection. The science on PANS/PANDAS is still emerging, and states around the country increasingly are recognizing and responding to the risk and strain these conditions impose on affected children and their families, through such steps as mandating coverage for treatment under health insurance policies, public information outreach and increased research and treatment guidelines. For parents, a child developing PANDAS can be as upsetting as it is costly because of the current general lack of awareness among medical professionals and the public. My resolution aims to increase awareness and attention, and to encourage increased research and better understanding into these disorders and their causes and treatment. I hope you will lend these families your support. |
Introduced as SR442