Growth and Nutrition Concerns

These cover a range of issues, including a so-called ‘failure to thrive’ (underweight, slow growth, small stature), osteopenia (poor bone density), scoliosis (curvature of the spine), and problems with eating, appetite or with the absorption of nutrients. 

Each child is unlikely to get all of these issues, but around 60% of children with Dravet Syndrome show some growth and nutrition issues of varying extent. In the video below, Dr Andreas Brunklaus discusses different approaches to ensuring a good nutrition in Dravet children with eating difficulties, including referral to a dietician as a good first step, and the benefits of a gastrostomy (feeding tube) in certain cases where eating difficulties are more severe.