Dravet syndrome

Disease Overview

Dravet syndrome is the most severe of a group of conditions known as SCN1A-related seizure disorders. Symptoms include seizures which first occur in infancy that are often triggered by high temperatures (febrile seizures). In childhood, many types of seizures may occur and they may increase in frequency. Seizures may be difficult to treat. Other symptoms include loss of motor skills, intellectual disability, speech impairment, and difficulty with movement. Most cases of Dravet syndrome occur when the SCN1A gene is not working correctly. It can be inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, but most people with Dravet syndrome do not have a family history of the condition. Diagnosis is based on a clinical exam, medical history, and the results of genetic testing. The main goal of treatment is to reduce the number and length of seizures.[15701][15702][15703]

Synonyms

• Severe Myoclonic Epilepsy of Infancy
• SMEI
• Myoclonic epilepsy, severe, of infancy
• SME