12

Is there any natural treatment for Dravet Syndrome?

Are there natural treatment(s) that may improve the quality of life of people with Dravet Syndrome? Here you can see if there is any natural remedy and/or treatment that can help people with Dravet Syndrome

Natural treatment of Dravet Syndrome

Is there any natural treatment for Dravet Syndrome?


Dravet Syndrome is a rare and severe form of epilepsy that typically begins in infancy. It is characterized by frequent and prolonged seizures, developmental delays, and cognitive impairment. While there is no cure for Dravet Syndrome, there are various treatment options available to manage the symptoms and improve the quality of life for individuals with this condition.



Conventional Treatment Approaches


Conventional treatment for Dravet Syndrome usually involves a combination of antiepileptic medications, such as clobazam, valproate, and stiripentol. These medications aim to control seizures and reduce their frequency. Additionally, other medications may be prescribed to manage specific symptoms associated with the syndrome, such as sleep disturbances and behavioral issues.



However, in recent years, there has been growing interest in exploring natural treatment options for Dravet Syndrome, either as complementary approaches or as alternatives to conventional medications.



Cannabidiol (CBD) Oil


Cannabidiol (CBD) oil has gained significant attention as a potential natural treatment for epilepsy, including Dravet Syndrome. CBD is a non-psychoactive compound derived from the cannabis plant, and it has shown promise in reducing seizure frequency and severity in some individuals.



Several studies have reported positive outcomes in patients with Dravet Syndrome who were treated with CBD oil. For example, a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that CBD significantly reduced the frequency of convulsive seizures in patients with Dravet Syndrome compared to a placebo group.



It is important to note that CBD oil should be used under medical supervision, as the appropriate dosage and formulation may vary for each individual. Additionally, it is crucial to ensure the CBD oil used is of high quality and obtained from a reputable source.



Ketogenic Diet


The ketogenic diet is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that has been used for decades to manage epilepsy, including Dravet Syndrome. The diet aims to induce a state of ketosis, where the body utilizes fat for energy instead of carbohydrates.



Research has shown that the ketogenic diet can be effective in reducing seizure frequency in individuals with Dravet Syndrome. A study published in Epilepsia reported that 63% of patients experienced a significant reduction in seizures after following the ketogenic diet for six months.



However, the ketogenic diet is a strict and challenging dietary approach that requires careful monitoring and supervision by a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian. It may not be suitable for everyone, and potential side effects, such as constipation and nutrient deficiencies, should be considered.



Other Complementary Approaches


In addition to CBD oil and the ketogenic diet, there are several other complementary approaches that may be considered in the management of Dravet Syndrome:




  • Acupuncture: Some individuals with epilepsy, including Dravet Syndrome, have reported a reduction in seizure frequency and improved overall well-being with acupuncture. However, more research is needed to establish its effectiveness.

  • Herbal supplements: Certain herbal supplements, such as passionflower and valerian root, have been traditionally used to manage epilepsy. However, their efficacy and safety in Dravet Syndrome have not been extensively studied.

  • Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help individuals with Dravet Syndrome improve their motor skills, coordination, and overall physical function. It may also help manage muscle stiffness and prevent contractures.

  • Occupational therapy: Occupational therapy focuses on improving daily living skills, fine motor skills, and cognitive abilities. It can be beneficial for individuals with Dravet Syndrome to enhance their independence and quality of life.



It is important to note that natural treatments should always be discussed with a healthcare professional or a specialist familiar with Dravet Syndrome before implementation. They can provide guidance, monitor progress, and ensure that any natural treatment is used safely and effectively alongside conventional approaches.



Conclusion


While there is no cure for Dravet Syndrome, natural treatment options such as CBD oil, the ketogenic diet, and complementary approaches like acupuncture, herbal supplements, physical therapy, and occupational therapy may offer additional support in managing the symptoms and improving the quality of life for individuals with this condition.



It is crucial to consult with healthcare professionals to determine the most appropriate treatment plan for each individual, considering their unique needs and medical history.


Diseasemaps
3 answers
Cannabidiol and ketogenic diets can reduce seizure frequency to some degree for many patients.

Posted Dec 2, 2017 by Anna 2020
No

Posted Dec 18, 2017 by Antigoni 2500

Natural treatment of Dravet Syndrome

Dravet Syndrome life expectancy

What is the life expectancy of someone with Dravet Syndrome?

8 answers
Celebrities with Dravet Syndrome

Celebrities with Dravet Syndrome

2 answers
Is Dravet Syndrome hereditary?

Is Dravet Syndrome hereditary?

5 answers
Is Dravet Syndrome contagious?

Is Dravet Syndrome contagious?

6 answers
ICD9 and ICD10 codes of Dravet Syndrome

ICD10 code of Dravet Syndrome and ICD9 code

4 answers
Living with Dravet Syndrome

Living with Dravet Syndrome. How to live with Dravet Syndrome?

3 answers
Dravet Syndrome diet

Dravet Syndrome diet. Is there a diet which improves the quality of life of...

6 answers
History of Dravet Syndrome

What is the history of Dravet Syndrome?

2 answers

World map of Dravet Syndrome

Find people with Dravet Syndrome through the map. Connect with them and share experiences. Join the Dravet Syndrome community.

Stories of Dravet Syndrome

DRAVET SYNDROME STORIES
Dravet Syndrome stories
Hallo  man kann uns auch im Facebook finden.  Unter  Rina ein ganz besonderer Schmetterling   
Dravet Syndrome stories
Yoran is diagnosed with Dravet's syndrome at the age of 20 months. His first seizure happened at the age of 3 months, the second at 4 months and then the third at 9 months. After that the number of seizures increased to every 10 days. These were all ...
Dravet Syndrome stories
Epilepsi since the age of 7 months. Diagnosed whith DS in the year of 2014. 
Dravet Syndrome stories
Shortly after my sons 6 month shots he had a very high fever and had his 1st tc seizure. Then he kept having them despite not having a fever until after the seizure had already occurred. It confused all of our doctors and they categorized them as feb...

Tell your story and help others

Tell my story

Dravet Syndrome forum

DRAVET SYNDROME FORUM

Ask a question and get answers from other users.

Ask a question

Find your symptoms soulmates

From now on you can add your symptoms in diseasemaps and find your symptoms soulmates. Symptoms soulmates are people with similar symptoms to you.

Symptoms soulmates

Add your symptoms and discover your soulmates map

Soulmates map