National Leif Erickson Day honors the Icelandic-born explore, Leif Erikson. The Norse explorer earns credit for bringing the first Europeans known to have set foot in North America. Leif Erikson left the European continent in 999 and landed in North America around the year 1,000.
October 9th: In the United States, nearly 1 in 200 children are diagnosed with Pediatric Acute-onset Neuropsychiatric Syndromes (PANS) and Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS). PANS/PANDAS Awareness Day on October 9th sets out to increase research, education and support to those affected by the condition.
Symptoms of PANS and PANDAS come on suddenly following a strep, bacterial or viral infection. The symptoms include:
- 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
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.
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 PANDAS.