[Research] Discovering the origins of Dravet Syndrome?

[KarenB]

The U of Mich (which is one of the leading universities in epilepsy research) has been making strides in identifying the cause of seizures in those with Dravet Syndrome. They have taken skin cells from children with Dravet, and from that produced stem cells, and from there have made some remarkable discoveries.

http://www.uofmhealth.org/news/arch...ish-stem-cell-research-reveals-clues-diseases

This is one of the childhood epilepsies (except the children never outgrow it) that often is progressive, and can be associated with devastating effects on development. A number of epilepsy meds actually make seizures worse in these children, and only a few seem to offer any sort of relief at all. Interestingly, the Ketogenic diet has a high success rate with these kids, which may have something to do with the origins of the disease.

 

[Dignan]

Very interesting article. Makes me wish I had gone into medical research. One quote I found interesting with regard to the research that should also apply to treatment, but rarely does so..

“Epilepsy is a complicated brain network disease,” he says. “It takes team-based science to address it."

I only wish the treating physicians would take a team approach and offer experts in endocrinology, reproductive health, nutritionists, and physiotherapists to help address all aspects of the effects of the seizures and the medications for patients.