Dravet Clinic

Children with (suspected) Dravet syndrome can visit the Dravet Clinic at Kempenhaeghe. Within our expertise center for difficult-to-treat epilepsy, there is extensive knowledge and expertise regarding the treatment of this syndrome.

Children from six to eight months old up to eighteen years of age are seen at the clinic together with their parents by specialists such as a pediatric neurologist, neuropsychologist, physiotherapist, speech therapist, social worker, and nurse specialist. From experience, we know that our team approach provides added value for both the child and the parents during the long and intensive care process. Extra attention is also given to the resilience and coping capacity of the parents.

By combining the collective expertise of our specialists, a complete picture is created of the child's neurological and overall functioning in various areas, such as motor skills, language, cognition, and behavior. We then develop a comprehensive treatment plan.

To reduce the significant impact on children with Dravet syndrome and their parents, we see the child annually in an outpatient carousel at our multidisciplinary clinic. In one morning, the patient consults with all specialists, including the pediatric neurologist, neuropsychologist, physiotherapist, speech therapist, social worker, and nurse specialist. Additionally, at key ages, clinical admissions take place at Kempenhaeghe. During these admissions, the multidisciplinary examinations are repeated, and we conduct a 24-hour video-EEG.

We are currently working on a specific transition clinic for young people with Dravet syndrome and a follow-up clinic for adulthood, ensuring that care is well-managed from infancy to adulthood.

Referrals to the Dravet Clinic at Kempenhaeghe are possible from any hospital. Pediatricians, youth doctors, and pediatric neurologists can refer a child with (suspected) Dravet syndrome. The results of our investigations are shared with the referring doctor via letter.