Dravet Syndrome Treatment Options are Effective In Reducing the Number of Seizures and Also Help in Growth and Development of the Child

Dravet Syndrome Treatment

Seizures begin in many children with Dravet syndrome between the ages of 4 months and 12 months, usually triggered by a fever (called a febrile seizure). These seizures are often called tonic-clonic (or grand mal) seizures. They involve jerking movements of the entire body, whereas it may also occur on one side only or in clusters.

These seizures can be hard to control. Fortunately, medications and other therapies can help. A doctor will try to control these seizures as soon as possible by treating the child's condition with two or more medicines. The first medication is often phenytoin (Dilantin) or carbamazepine (Tegretol), with another medicine, fenfluramine, sometimes recommended to improve the child's symptoms. If a child's seizures does not get better with fenfluramine and other medicines, they may be given somaticelestat or Epidiolex to treat the underlying cause of Dravet syndrome. They can also be given a ketogenic diet or levetiracetam and topiramate to reduce the amount of energy a child's body produces, which can decrease the number of seizures.

Genetic testing can confirm a Dravet syndrome diagnosis and identify the cause of the condition in most cases. Researchers are working to find treatments for this condition. Symptoms of Dravet syndrome include seizures, developmental setbacks, and speech and language problems. Other health problems can also affect the child's development and quality of life. Doctors and other healthcare professionals will work together to create a comprehensive treatment plan.

According to Coherent Market Insights the Dravet Syndrome Treatment Market Global Industry Insights, Trends, Outlook, and Opportunity Analysis, 2022-2028.

Some children with Dravet syndrome are sensitive to certain patterns, such as checked or striped materials, and may experience seizures when exposed to these patterns. Some may even have seizures that are triggered by hot environments, such as a bath or shower. The majority of children with Dravet syndrome have normal development during their early years, as their skills start to slow down and they lag behind their peers in learning. They also have trouble gaining and maintaining weight, balance and walking. Ornithine Transcarbamylase (OTC) Deficiency is a genetic disorder that affects the urea cycle. Treatment typically involves managing symptoms with medications, dietary changes, and sometimes liver transplantation.

There are three new medications specifically approved by the FDA to treat Dravet syndrome. These are stiripentol, fenfluramine and cannabidiol. The U.S. FDA has approved Fintepla (fenfluramine), in June 2022. This is a Schedule IV controlled substance that can be used for treating seizures related to in patients aging from 2 years and above.