Dravet Syndrome
What is Dravet syndrome?
In 1978, Charlotte Dravet first described Dravet syndrome, and it was found to have a genetic basis in 2001. Dravet syndrome is a rare genetic dysfunction of the brain (epileptic encephalopathy). It begins in the first year of life in an otherwise healthy infant, and it is lifelong. Let’s simplify it with common synonyms or search words:- Severe myoclonic epilepsy in infancy (SMEI)
- Polymorphic epilepsy in infancy (PMEI)
- Epilepsy with polymorphic seizures
- DS
How common is Dravet syndrome?
It’s not fully known how many people are affected—estimated 1 in 15,700 to 1 in 40,000 live births. It affects males and females in equal proportions. Significant risk factors for a Dravet syndrome diagnosis are:- Seizures lasting more than 10 minutes
- Seizures occurring on one side of the body
- Seizures triggered by a warm-water bath in children under 12 months old
What are the signs and symptoms of Dravet syndrome?
Dravet syndrome has been characterized by prolonged febrile and non-febrile seizures within the first year of a child’s life. This disease progresses to other seizure types:- Myoclonic and partial seizures
- Psychomotor delay
- Ataxia
What treatment options are available for Dravet syndrome?
Diagnosing the child early is critical to proper treatment and achieving the best outcome. A child may need a multidisciplinary team to address the many ways Dravet syndrome can affect the family. Seizure treatment is aimed at finding the best combination of medicines to treat chronic seizures and prevent and treat potential seizure emergencies. Getting the best seizure control possible is the goal. This could also help improve the child’s developmental abilities and decrease mortality risk.Where can I find more information about Dravet syndrome?
Dravet Syndrome Articles
Dravet Syndrome Foundation Now Accepting PAG Program Applications
Many faced with a rare disease or condition often experience financial burdens in seeking out adequate educational tools, therapeutic devices, medical equipment, resources, treatment options,
Soticlestat Reduced LGS and Dravet Associated Seizures
This year, the American Academy of Neurology (AAN) Annual Meeting took place virtually from April 17-22, 2021. During the meeting, a variety of stakeholders
Phase 2 Trial Shows Therapy Reduces Seizures in Dravet Syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome
The American Academy of Neurology recently held their annual meeting virtually to discuss the latest research in Dravet Syndrome (DS) and Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS). This meeting was
Rare Classroom: Dravet Syndrome
Welcome to the Rare Classroom, a new series from Patient Worthy. Rare Classroom is designed for the curious reader who wants to get informed on
This Dravet Syndrome Patient’s Family are Raising Funds for a Life-Changing Gift
According to a story from spectrumnews1.com, three year old Israel Bombela has endured many health challenges in his short life so far. The youngster went
Dravet Syndrome Treatment FINTEPLA (Fenfluramine) Receives Positive CHMP Opinion
In mid-October, biopharmaceutical company Zogenix announced that its Dravet syndrome treatment FINTEPLA (fenfluramine) received a positive CHMP opinion. The CHMP is part of the
Study: Lorcaserin as a Treatment for Dravet Syndrome
Eisai has announced that they will begin a Phase 3 trial, titled MOMENTUM, to evaluate lorcaserin as a treatment for Dravet syndrome. This decision comes
Recently Approved Treatment for Dravet Syndrome Continues to Show Impacts in Phase 3 Trial
According to a story from BioSpace, the biopharmaceutical company Zogenix, Inc., has recently announced the release of results from a phase 3 clinical trial testing
