Pixie Panic

Pixie Panic is a debilitating condition that is affecting more and more of the elderly population, especially those of the longest lived peoples. It's a condition that sets in from overuse and/or abuse of the illicit substance known as "pixie dust". It's a condition that has thus far proven resilient to medical intervention both physical and magical, leaving those afflicted stuck with no real treatment options, only some symptom mitigation.

Transmission & Vectors

Pixie Panic is triggered by prolonged use or high dosage use of the drug known as "pixie dust".

Causes

Pixie Panic is caused by a build up of residual magic within the vital organs of the body. As Pixie dust is used the drug breaks down into base physical elements and is flushed from the body but the magic doesn't break down cleanly like it does from safe consumable magics such as potions. The residue soaks into your bones, and other tissues, then when the amount of residue reaches something of a 'critical mass' the symptoms of Pixie Panic start to kick in continued use progresses the symptoms at an exponential rate.

Symptoms

Known symptoms include:

• Lost sense of time
• Lost sense of orientation/direction
• Unrelenting vertigo
• Severe nausea
• Uncontrollable weightlessness
• Dementia

Treatment

There are no known treatments to resolve the condition. some of the symptoms can be mitigated such as physical weights on the body or strapping people into their beds

Affected Groups

Primarily the elderly, especially those of the longest lived peoples in the world as they are most suceptible to the "sales pitch" that accompanies the drug and its promised positive effects and experiences.

Prevention

The only prevention methods available currently are staying away from the drug completely, it's a slippery slope into full blown Pixie Panic and thus far irreversible allowing only palliative care

Epidemiology

The condition itself is thankfully not contagious in its own right, however as the drug's reputation spreads and popularity grows it moves through populations rapidly. It can rip through a sewing circle, book club, or fishing group before people realize what's wrong.

Cultural Reception

Those who contract the condition are treated with a mix of pity and scorn. Seeing senior citizens succumbing to the temptations of a rogue drug and the unfortunate effects it has upon them has led to some conflicting views on what to do with them. Some say they need to be helped, a cure found, aid rendered while others are happy to write them off victims of their own foolishness, and too old to be of concern any more.

Type

Magical

Origin

Natural

Cycle

Chronic, Acquired

Rarity

Rare