Barry S. Ticho, MD, PhD, Chief Medical Officer at Stoke Therapeutics, gives a detailed overview of Dravet syndrome.
As Dr. Ticho explains, Dravet syndrome is a rare neurological condition that usually appears during the first year of life as frequent febrile seizures. As the condition progresses, other types of seizures typically occur, including myoclonus and status epilepticus. Moderate to severe cognitive impairment is also common. Most cases of Dravet syndrome occur due to a mutation of the SCN1A gene. The SCN1A gene codes for the protein NaV1.1. With only one functional SCN1A gene, people with Dravet syndrome produce less of the NaV1.1 protein. NaV1.1 is an important protein for the nerves in the brain to work properly. Low levels of NaV1.1 in the brain can lead to seizures and other symptoms of Dravet syndrome.
