THE Furness MP has tabled a motion in Parliament to help raise awareness of the impact ‘little known’ syndromes have on children and young people.

MP for Barrow and Furness, Michelle Scrogham has tabled an early day motion to raise awareness of Paediatric Acute-Onset Neuropsychiatric Syndrome (PANS) and Paediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal Infections (PANDAS).

Mrs Scrogham said: “I hope to be able to help raise awareness of these little known syndromes after hearing from a number of families in Barrow and Furness who have been impacted.”

The charity PANS PANDAS UK describe the conditions as ones which impact the brain. People with the conditions experience a variety of symptoms including mental health symptoms as well as changes in behaviour and difficulties with movement.

The motion tabled by the Labour MP reads: “This house is concerned about the severe impact PANS and PANDAS have on children, young people and families across the UK.

“That it notes that the impact is exacerbated by low levels of awareness and variation in care available further adding to the financial, emotional and educational toll; recognises that early intervention is known to lead to best outcomes but is rarely available to patients in the UK.”

The motion commends the work of PANS PANDAS steering group in seeking to implement change within health, education and social care.

It also calls on the government to support their work through improved funding, research and training for professionals.