Dravet Syndrome Seizure Treatment Options People with Dravet Syndrome often experience a variety of different types of seizures, including prolonged ones. To help, there's Fintepla, a medication approved to treat seizures caused by Dravet syndrome. Fintepla Fintepla works by targeting the brain’s electrical activity, helping to reduce the number and severity of seizures. Doctors prescribe Fintepla when other medications haven’t been effective in controlling seizures. This treatment has shown positive results in many patients, making it an essential option for managing Dravet syndrome. Medications for Dravet Syndrome Seizures Clobazam: This drug is often prescribed alongside other treatments. It helps to control seizures by calming the brain and reducing electrical activity. Valproate: This medication is used to control a variety of seizure types. However, it is not always the best choice for younger children due to its potential side effects. Topiramate: Used to prevent seizures, this medication works by affecting the brain's electrical signals. [youmaylike] Doctors may need to try different combinations of medications to find what works best for the individual. It’s important for patients and their families to closely monitor the medications and any side effects. Dietary Approaches: The Ketogenic Diet For some individuals with Dravet Syndrome, medications may not be enough to control seizures. In these cases, dietary treatments, such as the ketogenic diet, can be very helpful. The ketogenic diet is high in fats and low in carbohydrates, and it forces the body to use fat for energy instead of carbohydrates. This change in metabolism can help reduce seizures. The ketogenic diet should only be followed under the supervision of a doctor or dietitian, as it requires careful planning to ensure that the person gets the proper nutrition. Some children with Dravet Syndrome may experience a significant reduction in seizures after starting the ketogenic diet. Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) Vagus Nerve Stimulation (VNS) is another treatment option for Dravet Syndrome. This therapy involves implanting a small device under the skin in the chest. The device sends electrical signals to the brain through the vagus nerve, which can help reduce the frequency and severity of seizures. The device can be programmed to give a burst of electrical stimulation when a seizure is detected, helping to stop the seizure or make it less severe. VNS is often considered when medications and diet do not provide enough seizure control. It is typically used in combination with other treatments. Surgical Options In some rare cases, surgery may be an option for treating Dravet Syndrome. If seizures are only coming from one part of the brain and medications do not help, surgery may be performed to remove that part of the brain. This surgery is called a lobectomy or hemispherectomy, depending on the area of the brain involved. Surgical options are not suitable for everyone, and doctors will carefully evaluate the risks and benefits before recommending surgery. Supportive Therapies While medications and other treatments are important for managing seizures, other therapies can be helpful in improving quality of life for individuals with Dravet Syndrome. These may include: Physical therapy: This helps improve mobility and strength, which can be affected by seizures. Occupational therapy: Helps individuals learn daily skills to live as independently as possible. Speech therapy: Helps improve communication skills, which may be affected by seizures. Ongoing Monitoring and Care Managing Dravet Syndrome requires ongoing care. It is essential for individuals with the condition to have regular check-ups with their doctor to monitor their progress and adjust treatment plans as needed. Seizures can sometimes change over time, and it is important to stay flexible with treatment options. The Best Approaches to Seizure Control While Dravet Syndrome can be challenging, there are many treatment options available. With the right combination of medications, diet, therapy and support, people with Dravet Syndrome can lead fuller lives. It is important to work closely with healthcare providers to find the best treatment plan for each individual.
How to Prevent Balding
If balding or thinning hair is one of your worries, we have got the solutions for you. In this article, we will chat about the symptoms of balding, the causes, how to prevent balding and how to cope with hair loss.
Losing a few strands of hair every day is completely normal, but what do you do when you begin losing more hair than you should? According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), 80 million people in America have hereditary hair loss (alopecia).
In addition, according to the American Hair Loss Association (AHLA), approximately 25% of men who have hereditary male pattern baldness start losing their hair before the age of 21. By the age of 50, about 85% of men are bald or have significantly thinner hair.
8 Ways to Prevent Balding
If genetics is the reason for your hair loss, there might not be a lot that can be done to prevent it. However, these tips can help slow down or prevent loss if other reasons are causing it:
- Treat your hair gently and avoid pulling; use caution when washing, brushing and styling your hair.
- Avoid harsh treatments, such as coloring and perms.
- Protect your hair from the sun; wear a hat and avoid tanning beds.
- Quit smoking. Some studies suggest there is a link between balding and regular smoking.
- Eat a balanced diet rich in nutrients and antioxidants.
- Avoid hot showers and shampoo that causes scalp irritation.
- Talk to your doctor or dietician about supplements that may help slow down your hair loss.
- If you are getting treatments for cancer or taking a medication that causes hair loss as a side effect, speak to your doctor about getting a cold cap or other measures to prevent hair loss.
If you try the above tactics and still feel that hair loss is negatively impacting your life, it is important to seek out medical advice. First, talk to your doctor about prescription or over-the-counter treatments for hair loss. Your doctor may refer you to a dermatologist who specializes in hair loss.
Hair Loss Symptoms
Hair loss can look different from person to person, depending on the severity and cause. However, here are some common symptoms to watch for.
Slow and Consistent Loss of Hair Starting at the Top of the Head
This is the most common form of hair loss. As you age, you can experience thinning of the hair on the top of your head, especially men. In men, this typically looks like a receding hairline or thinning hair or a thinning patch on top of the head. In women, this typically looks like the widening of the part of the hair, along with loss of hair around the forehead.
Sudden Loss of Hair
It's as if it has become loose from your scalp. Our bodies are extremely sensitive to changes and will work hard to cope with those changes. Therefore, environmental and emotional stress can cause you to lose handfuls of hair at a time. Thankfully, this type of hair loss is typically temporary and will stop once the stressors have been addressed.
Patches of Hair Loss All Over the Scalp
With this type of hair loss, hair consistently falls out from the same spot on your scalp. This leaves your scalp with patches or circular spots of missing hair. Not only can this affect the hair on your head, but it can also leave patches of missing hair on your face, such as in your beard or eyebrows.
Loss of Both Scalp and Body Hair
This type of hair loss is less common than the others. It typically only affects individuals who are taking a strong medication or treatment, such as chemotherapy. The lost hair generally regrows with ease once the treatment has stopped.
Causes of Hair Loss
There are several reasons why you may experience hair loss, including:
- Hereditary and genetic factors.
- Hormonal and systemic body changes.
- Certain medications and medical conditions.
- Mechanical stress, such as consistent pulling on the hair.
- Emotional and environmental factors.
- Radiation exposure.
Some degree of hair loss is entirely normal. Typically, you lose between 50 to 100 strands of hair per day. New hair strands grow at about the same rate, meaning that hair loss isn't generally noticeable until you have exceeded this number.