Dravet syndrome is a severe form of epilepsy that begins in the first year of life. Seizures can be difficult to control and often affect cognitive function. Variants in the SCN1A gene are found in as many as 85% of patients who are clinically diagnosed with Dravet syndrome. SCN1A mutations may also be found in less severe epilepsy types such as genetic epilepsy with febrile seizures plus or more severe forms of epilepsy such as migrating focal seizures.

The Dravet Clinic at Lurie Children’s Epilepsy Center is committed to providing high-quality care to patients with Dravet syndrome. The clinic is led by Dr. Linda Laux, however the complete medical care of patients with Dravet syndrome is a team effort. At the Lurie Children’s Dravet Clinic, core team members include an epileptologist with expertise in Dravet syndrome, an epilepsy clinic nurse, and a social worker with expertise in children with neurological disabilities. In addition, we collaborate with other providers who can assist with diagnosis including a genetic counselor, ketogenic dietitian, psychologists, developmental pediatricians, or physical, occupational, and speech therapists.