Overview

• Ilia Carney, 10, from Spital in Merseyside, was diagnosed with PANDAS in March after abrupt, severe neuropsychiatric symptoms that began in January last year.
• Her mother describes extreme anxiety, sudden rages, pain, sleep disruption and a loss of confidence that left her unable to attend school or enter her dance class.
• An initial antibiotic course did not help, but a subsequent medication brought marked improvement, with recurrent flare-ups linked to strep exposure treated with further antibiotics.
• With no clear NHS pathway, the family is self-funding private care, which they say is a financial strain alongside the need for ongoing support and therapy.
• A nationwide awareness action on October 9 will see landmarks light green to draw attention to PANS/PANDAS and calls for better recognition and services.