Dravet Syndrome Foundation

The mission of Dravet Syndrome Foundation www.DravetFoundation.org  (DSF) is to aggressively raise research funds for Dravet syndrome and related epilepsies; to increase awareness of these catastrophic conditions; and to provide support to affected individuals and families.

Dravet syndrome, also known as severe myoclonic epilepsy of infancy (SMEI), is a rare genetic disorder which occurs in roughly 1:16,000 to 1:21,000 births [1]. It is a progressive disorder characterized by multiple seizure types, often including life-threatening status epilepticus (prolonged seizures that require emergency care.) The course of the condition is variable from patient to patient and earmarks of the syndrome include multiple seizure types that are resistant to treatment, developmental delays, lowered immunity, orthopedic concerns, and hyperactivity. A significant number of patients have a family history of febrile seizures or seizure disorders.