Dravet Syndrome is a form of epilepsy which is associated with mutations in the sodium ion channel genes. Some of the most common symptoms of Dravet Syndrome Treatment include developmental delay, hypotonia, lack of dexterity, and impaired speech. Genetic testing is done for confirming Dravet syndrome, and it must be performed on infants if prolonged seizures occurs.
Patients with Dravet syndrome are often prescribed diazepam to reduce seizure frequency. The GABA-releasing neurons in these patients' are affected, diazepam acts as a compensating mechanism to prevent seizures. Diastat has not been studied in children younger than two years, whereas it has been shown to control acute repetitive seizures. Dravet Syndrome Treatment is the first step in treatment of the disease. Most children suffering from this condition will have seizures in the first year of life. These episodes will become less frequent as they get older, there is always a risk of persistent status epilepticus, which requires immediate medical care. Some children with this disorder may require genetic testing. In case an infant is diagnosed with Dravet syndrome, they should receive specialized treatment targeting the specific faulty gene. One potential Dravet Syndrome Treatment is nerve stimulation, a surgical procedure that works by stimulating a certain part of the brain with electrical current. The procedure is known as VNS therapy and has shown positive results in patients with Dravet syndrome. In a study conducted by Dr. Fulton and colleagues, a significant reduction in the frequency of seizures was observed in patients who received VNS therapy. The study included five patients who had undergone the procedure. Seizures are common in children with Dravet syndrome, these are difficult to control without the use of medications. Other causes of these seizures may include infections, changes in body temperature, visual or audio stimuli, emotional stress, or flashing lights. Standard testing may miss the presence of the disorder, as the child's seizures appear normal. Several side effects are common while taking Diastat for Dravet Syndrome Treatment. These side effects may include increased appetite, weight gain, and blurred vision. These effects should not be taken without consulting your doctor. Many patients tolerate Diastat, whereas some patients may experience side effects that requires discontinuation of the treatment. It is important to note that many people experiencing side effects of Diastat during Dravet syndrome treatment may have a low threshold for the medication. Myoclonic seizures are usually present during the first two years of life, though some children may exhibit non-convulsive or atypical absence seizures. The initial EEG is usually normal, subsequent tests may reveal diffuse slowing or generalized discharges. Later on the MRIs may reveal mild generalized atrophy and hippocampal sclerosis. Developmental delays first appear in the second year and typically between the ages of 18 and 60 months. There are a few common side effects of Diastat that should be addressed in the course of treatment. The most common include somnolence, pain, abdominal discomfort, nervousness, vasodilation, and diarrhea. The duration of the side effects is usually shorter in the Diastat group than in the placebo group. Moreover, Diastat can cause significant weight gain in the short term, that is why these drugs should be used only intermittently and with caution. The ketogenic diet for Dravet Syndrome Treatment was initiated by following a modified Johns Hopkins protocol. The diet included a 4:1 lipid-to-non-lipid ratio and provided calories equal to 75% of what a healthy person would require. The diet also included potassium citrate, multivitamins, and essential minerals.
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