Comorbidities

Non-seizure aspects of Dravet Syndrome

Dravet Syndrome is a neurological condition that causes seizures. It also causes associated health conditions, called 'comorbidities'. Everyone who lives with Dravet Syndrome can be affected by any, or all, of these associated conditions during their life. Some are more common than others, and how severe they are will vary from person to person.

Everyone with Dravet Syndrome will have some degree of intellectual disability. This is not simply a consequence of seizures, but part of the underlying genetic cause of Dravet Syndrome.

The most common non-seizure aspects of Dravet Syndrome include: 

• intellectual disability
• language and communication issues
• autism
• challenging behaviour
• attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• movement and mobility issues
• growth and nutrition issues
• digestion and toileting issues
• sleep problems
• infections and immune problems
• dysautonomia (problems with autonomic body functions, like fast heartbeat, breathing and digestion).

In the video below, Dr Andreas Brunklaus, Paediatric Neurologist, talks about the most common additional conditions associated with Dravet Syndrome. You can find out more about the conditions Dr Andreas Brunklaus talks about in the video by clicking on the links below.