Dravet Syndrome
Overview
Dravet syndrome is a rare form of epilepsy that typically occurs in the first year of a child's life.
The first indication of Dravet Syndrome is usually a long-lasting seizure that lasts more than five minutes and is triggered by a high fever.
The condition is characterized by a variety of seizure types and degrees of severity, as well as a range of other symptoms such as developmental delays, language and speech difficulties, and problems with balance and walking.
The diagnosis and management of Dravet syndrome can be difficult, causing a considerable impact on the lives of those who suffer from it and their families.
Therefore, it is crucial to identify the disease early on and initiate treatment as soon as possible to alleviate the symptoms and enhance the chances of better outcomes.
Symptoms
• Dravet Syndrome Overview: Dravet syndrome, a rare genetic disorder impacting the brain, manifests with diverse seizure types.
• Various Seizure Types: Seizures associated with Dravet syndrome include atypical absence seizures, complex febrile seizures, and epilepsia partialis continua, among others.
• Patients may experience focal aware seizures, focal hemiclonic seizures, and focal impaired awareness seizures alongside generalized clonic seizures and photosensitive myoclonic seizures.
• Apart from seizures, individuals may encounter myoclonus characterized by sudden muscle jerking. Moreover, prolonged seizures lasting over five minutes, termed status epilepticus, can occur.
• The syndrome presents a range of seizure types and associated symptoms, necessitating a tailored approach to diagnosis and management.
• Awareness of the diverse seizure manifestations and associated symptoms is crucial for early identification and effective treatment of Dravet syndrome.
Causes & Risks
• Dravet Syndrome: Dravet syndrome, an uncommon but severe epilepsy form, typically initiates in infancy or early childhood.
• It results from a mutation in the SCN1A gene, with approximately 80% of afflicted children exhibiting this mutation.
• While most cases involve the SCN1A mutation, some related disorders may occur, such as familial hemiplegic migraine, highlighting the genetic complexity.
• Children with the SCN1A mutation may manifest a spectrum of conditions, ranging from milder to severe forms like Dravet syndrome.
• Diagnosis can be challenging, as the absence of the mutation does not necessarily exclude Dravet syndrome.
• Accurate and timely diagnosis of Dravet syndrome is critical to implementing appropriate interventions and support for the child and their family.
Test & Diagnosis
• Promptly seek advice from your child's healthcare provider if you suspect Dravet syndrome, facilitating early intervention and management.
• The diagnosis involves a comprehensive review of your child's medical history and ongoing medications, despite potential delays from conventional MRI and EEG results.
• The healthcare provider will conduct a thorough clinical assessment, observing your child's behavior and assessing reflexes to identify potential symptoms of Dravet syndrome.
• Maintain close communication and cooperation with the healthcare provider throughout the diagnostic journey to ensure accurate diagnosis and development of an effective treatment strategy.
• Early diagnosis allows for swifter initiation of appropriate treatment and supportive measures, optimizing your child's prognosis and quality of life.
• Stay vigilant and proactive in recognizing symptoms, as timely detection and intervention are paramount in managing Dravet syndrome effectively.
Treatment
• Individuals grappling with seizures linked to Dravet syndrome have treatment options available, offering hope and improved quality of life.
• Stiripentol (Diacomit®), Cannabidiol (Epidiolex®), and Fenfluramine HCl (Fintepla®) are among the medications endorsed for managing Dravet syndrome, addressing seizure-related challenges effectively.
• Take proactive steps to regain control over seizures by discussing these approved treatment options with your healthcare provider without delay.
• With appropriate medical intervention, seizures associated with Dravet syndrome can be effectively managed, fostering a better quality of life for affected individuals.
• Collaborate closely with your doctor to explore tailored treatment approaches, ensuring optimal seizure control and overall well-being.
• Don't allow seizures to dictate your life's course; seek information and support from healthcare professionals to embark on a path toward improved seizure management and enhanced quality of life.
Living With
Caring for a child with Dravet Syndrome can be challenging for both the child and the family.
The main objective of treatment is to manage the seizures in the best possible way.
Although medication can help reduce the number and severity of seizures, it is unlikely to achieve complete seizure freedom.
Collaborating closely with a healthcare team is essential to find the right combination of medication for effective seizure management.
However, managing seizures is just one aspect of caring for a child with Dravet Syndrome, as they may also have other health issues and developmental delays that require prompt intervention.
Early intervention is critical to ensure the child receives the necessary support and treatment to reach their full potential. Children with Dravet Syndrome can live fulfilling and happy lives with proper care.
Complications
• Dravet Syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that affects the brain, causing seizures that can be difficult to control.
• These seizures are often triggered by fever, illness, or stressors. They can cause significant developmental delays in children, including cognitive, motor, and speech.
• Additionally, individuals with Dravet Syndrome may experience behavioral and psychiatric problems such as anxiety, hyperactivity, or autistic-like behaviors.
• These challenges can significantly impact the lives of those with Dravet Syndrome and their families.
• However, with proper treatment and support, individuals with Dravet Syndrome can still lead fulfilling lives.
• Healthcare professionals need to be knowledgeable about this condition and provide appropriate care and resources for those affected.
The Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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