More about Dravet Syndrome

Dravet Syndrome also called as Severe Myoclonic Epilepsy of Infancy (SMEI). In 1978 Dravet first described this syndrome hence name is given as Dravet's syndrome. Dravet's syndrome is very disturbing and dangerous form of epilepsy. It started when child having age below one year. It lasts for more than 5 minutes. Wide varieties of seizures are associated with Dravet's syndrome. Clonic seizure is occurred as first seizure and it is widely associated with fever but lateral cases of seizure are without rise in body temperature. In most of the children Dravet's syndrome is followed by myoclonic seizures. Children with Dravet's syndrome also have to face some mental retardation. Treatment is not much effective for Dravet's syndrome. Dravet's syndrome occurs mostly in boys as compared to girls.

Causes of Dravet Syndrome

Research for finding causes is still going on and it is very complex. First well known cause is mutations of the SCN1A gene on chromosome2. When imbalance occurs inside brain in electrical activity then seizure may occur.

Symptoms of Dravet Syndrome

• Time period of seizure is more than other types of seizure.
  
• Body temperature is not constant in most of children
  
• They may have high chances to get infection.
  
• Children show some sort of mental retardation, sleeping problem, orthopedic problem, and physical growth is slow.

Treatment for Dravet Syndrome

In Dravet Syndrome seizures are difficult to control using anti-epileptic drugs and most of the time you required to change them repeatedly. Many times you have to use them in combination to reduce seizure. Response for treatment is highly variable from child to child.

• Medicines for Dravet Syndrome
  Anticonvulsant medicines such as topirimate, valproic acid, clobazam and clonazepam are used which are helpful to reduce seizure.
  
• Diet for Dravet Syndrome
  Ketogenic Diet- It is rich in fat and less in carbohydrates. Because of this body produces high level of ketones. Instead of glucose fats are used to produce energy.
  
• Surgery for Dravet Syndrome
  Vagus nerve stimulation- A small device is placed inside upper chest which stimulates the vagus nerve through a series of small electric shocks to reduce seizure activity.
  
• Therapy for Dravet Syndrome
  Physical therapy, intravenous immunoglobulin therapy, occupational therapy, and communication therapy are also used.

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