The Commonwealth of Virginia has officially designated Oct. 9, 2023 PANS/PANDAS Awareness Day, a critical step forward in the fight to help young people suffering from debilitating neuroimmune disorders known as PANS and PANDAS.
Also known as autoimmune encephalitis, these post-infectious disorders are triggered by common viral and bacterial infections, such as strep throat and the flu. The immune system misdirects its response and attacks healthy brain tissue, resulting in life-altering brain inflammation and an array of debilitating symptoms. Early treatment can return patients to their baseline.