How DPC Can Help Manage Your Dravet Syndrome

Updated on: November 13, 2024

Usually starting in the first year of life, Dravet Syndrome is a rare, permanent form of epilepsy. Prolonged, frequent seizures that can be brought on by fever, excitement, or temperature fluctuations are its defining feature. Dravet Syndrome is a severe form of epilepsy that can cause cognitive deficits, motor dysfunction, and developmental delays in children. A mutation in the SCN1A gene, which alters sodium channels in the brain and interferes with the regular control of neuronal activity, is typically the origin of the disorder.

Numerous seizure forms, such as febrile seizures, myoclonic seizures, and generalized tonic-clonic seizures, are frequently seen by people with Dravet Syndrome. Children with Dravet Syndrome may experience behavioral issues, sleep abnormalities, and balance and mobility issues in addition to seizures. Since there isn't a cure at this time, management focuses on using a multidisciplinary approach to manage symptoms, lower seizure frequency, and enhance quality of life.

How Dravet Syndrome Can Be Managed with DPC

A useful strategy for treating Dravet Syndrome is Direct Primary Care (DPC), which offers ongoing assistance, individualized treatment, and access to coordinated medical resources. Patients and their families can establish a personal bond with a committed healthcare professional who understands the unique requirements of Dravet Syndrome under the DPC model. The DPC provider can collaborate closely with families to create a thorough, customized care plan that is suited to the kid's requirements and can be modified as the child gets older and their health changes.

Additionally, DPC can help ensure prompt access to essential drugs and therapies. This is especially crucial for people with Dravet Syndrome because managing seizures frequently necessitates making quick changes to drug levels or introducing novel treatments. By encouraging consistent communication and prompt access to care, DPC can assist families in addressing problems before they worsen and better managing symptoms.

DPC's Advantages for Patients with Dravet Syndrome

For patients with Dravet Syndrome and their families, the Direct Primary Care model provides special advantages such cost-effective treatments, personalized attention, and continuity of care. When managing a chronic condition like Dravet Syndrome, which may necessitate many physician visits, medications, and additional supportive services, families can benefit greatly from the predictable healthcare costs provided by DPC's flat-fee system. This concept gives families a more stable financial future by easing the stress of large copayments and unforeseen costs.

One important benefit of DPC practices for managing Dravet Syndrome is that they offer increased access to the medical team by phone, text, or email. Parents can easily contact their DPC provider with any queries or worries, including how to handle a possible seizure trigger or a sudden change in symptoms. Furthermore, during appointments, DPC clinicians frequently spend extra time with patients, making sure that families feel empowered and supported by having thorough information about their child's care.

Additionally, DPC providers can collaborate with other medical specialists involved in the child's treatment, including therapists, neurologists, and others. DPC guarantees that every component of the patient's treatment plan functions in unison, reducing care gaps and advancing the child's general health by supporting open communication and smooth transitions between providers.

Customized Treatment for Dravet Syndrome in DPC

The DPC model is a great option for families dealing with Dravet Syndrome since it places a strong emphasis on personalized care. To create a customized treatment plan that takes into account the child's unique seizure patterns, triggers, and co-existing conditions, DPC providers collaborate closely with each family. For example, the DPC provider can promptly work with the family and other experts to make changes if particular medications don't work or if side effects occur.

Additional aspects of personalized care include teaching families how to control seizures at home, identifying symptom triggers, and offering coping mechanisms to enhance the child's day-to-day functioning. DPC professionals can assist families with making lifestyle changes, including as keeping a regular sleep schedule, keeping an eye on body temperature, and managing stress, to reduce the chance of seizures. Additionally, they might provide resources for physical treatment, behavioral therapy, and dietary advice specific to the requirements of kids with Dravet Syndrome.

Regular follow-ups are made possible by DPC's flexibility, allowing for ongoing observation of the child's development and symptom changes. The DPC provider can proactively address any new requirements as a result of this continuing engagement, enhancing the child's general wellbeing and quality of life. DPC offers full assistance for a difficult condition by empowering patients and their families via individualized, committed treatment.

Published on: November 13, 2024
Doctors that manage dravet syndrome
  • Andrew Elliston, Concierge Pediatrics in Manhattan Community Board 1
    Andrew Elliston, MD, FAAP
    Concierge Pediatrics
    Manhattan Community Board 1, New York
    Monthly Subscription Fee: Info Unavailable
    Max Patient In Panel: Info Unavailable
    Telehealth - Pending
    Home Visit - Pending
    Holistic/Lifestyle Med - Pending
  • Wilson Wang, Concierge Pediatrics in Manhattan Community Board 1
    Wilson Wang, MD, FAAP
    Concierge Pediatrics
    Manhattan Community Board 1, New York
    Monthly Subscription Fee: Info Unavailable
    Max Patient In Panel: Info Unavailable
    Telehealth - Pending
    Home Visit - Pending
    Holistic/Lifestyle Med - Pending
  • Natalie W. Geary, Concierge Pediatrics in Manhattan Community Board 1
    Natalie W. Geary, MD, FAAP
    Concierge Pediatrics
    Manhattan Community Board 1, New York
    Monthly Subscription Fee: Info Unavailable
    Max Patient In Panel: Info Unavailable
    Telehealth - Pending
    Home Visit - Pending
    Holistic/Lifestyle Med - Pending
  • Christopher Gonzalez, Concierge Family Medicine in Long Island
    Christopher Gonzalez, DO
    Concierge Family Medicine
    Long Island, New York
    Monthly Subscription Fee: Info Unavailable
    Max Patient In Panel: Info Unavailable
    Telehealth - Pending
    Home Visit - Pending
    Holistic/Lifestyle Med - Pending
    Dr. Gonzalez is fantastic. He is pleasant and attentive. He seemed eager to give me all the time I needed and to answer all of my questions.
  • Kyon Hood, Concierge Pediatrics in Brooklyn
    Kyon Hood, MD
    Concierge Pediatrics
    Brooklyn, New York
    Monthly Subscription Fee: Info Unavailable
    Max Patient In Panel: Info Unavailable
    Telehealth - Pending
    Home Visit - Pending
    Holistic/Lifestyle Med - Pending
    Dr. Hood is a fantastic doctor who I strongly recommend. He conducts a comprehensive assessment of the patient before taking action.
  • Daniel Silvershein, Concierge Internal Medicine in New York
    Daniel Silvershein, MD
    Concierge Internal Medicine
    New York, New York
    Monthly Subscription Fee: Info Unavailable
    Max Patient In Panel: Info Unavailable
    Telehealth - Pending
    Home Visit - Pending
    Holistic/Lifestyle Med - Pending
    A wonderful internist who brings a skill set to the patient often not seen in doctors these days. Dr. Silvershein is exceptional because he is sensitive and has excellent listening skills. He stands out!!
  • Ellen Wexler, Concierge Internal Medicine in New York
    Ellen Wexler, MD
    Concierge Internal Medicine
    New York, New York
    Monthly Subscription Fee: Info Unavailable
    Max Patient In Panel: Info Unavailable
    Telehealth - Pending
    Home Visit - Pending
    Holistic/Lifestyle Med - Pending
    I'm the best version of myself, both physically and mentally. She takes the time to learn about your condition and explain how to overcome it.
  • Shanna Levine, Concierge Internal Medicine in New York
    Shanna Levine, MD
    Concierge Internal Medicine
    New York, New York
    Monthly Subscription Fee: Info Unavailable
    Max Patient In Panel: Info Unavailable
    Telehealth - Pending
    Home Visit - Pending
    Holistic/Lifestyle Med - Pending
    I was able to get direct answers to all of my questions. She was extremely patient with me. She gave me all the time I needed with her and was always available to address all my concerns.