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
This South African Family Was Shocked After Dravet Syndrome Diagnosis
According to a story from rekordmoot.co.za, the du Plessis family of Moot, South Africa couldn’t believe it when two year old Barry du Plessis was
Initial Trial Data Looks Promising for a Potential Treatment for Rare Epilepsies
According to a story from sectorpublishingintelligence.co.uk, the drug company Ovid Therapeutics Inc. has recently announced that the early data from its phase 2 clinical trial
First Patient Registered for Dravet Syndrome Observational Study
According to a story from Biotech 365, the biotechnology company Stoke Therapeutics, Inc., recently announced that the very first patient has enrolled for the company’s
Experimental Treatment for Dravet Syndrome Earns Orphan Drug Designation
According to a story from Pharmaceutical Technology, the company Stoke Therapeutics experimental drug candidate, known as STK-001, has earned Orphan Drug designation from the US
A Nasal Spray Has Just Become the First New Therapy Approved by the FDA for Cluster Seizures in 20 Years
Cluster Seizures Approximately 1/3 of all epilepsy patients live with uncontrolled seizures. Of these, around 150,000 in the United States alone experience cluster seizures (otherwise
Scotland Only Allows 10 Children to Receive New Cannabis-Based Seizure Drug
There are over 500 children in Scotland whose parents feel could benefit from a new cannabis-derived drug for seizures called Epidiolex. But recently, Secretary
New Approaches for Treating “Silent” Seizures in Dravet Syndrome
According to a story from Science & Technology Research News, a recent study has identified that area of the brain that is associated with “silent”
Possible New Treatment for Absence Seizures in Children
A new study published in the journal Cell Reports identifies possible new treatments for absence (silent) seizures in children with Dravet syndrome. Children with Dravet
