Videos

2 experts are featured in this series.

Panelists discuss how SCN1A genetic testing has enabled earlier diagnosis of Dravet syndrome, though some clinicians still hesitate to order tests due to discomfort with genetics, emphasizing that early genetic confirmation is crucial for avoiding contraindicated sodium channel medications, implementing appropriate treatments, and providing families with answers and community connections that improve long-term outcomes.

2 experts are featured in this series.

Panelists discuss how early recognition of Dravet syndrome's key clinical features—including prolonged seizures triggered by fever or illness in the first year of life, the importance of genetic testing for SCN1A variants, and the progressive nature of the condition that evolves from initial febrile seizures to multiple seizure types alongside developmental delays—can support timely diagnosis and improve long-term outcomes for pediatric patients.

2 experts are featured in this series.

Panelists discuss how treatment decisions for complex cases like the 66-year-old man with severe dyskinesia and 4 hours of daily OFF time require individualized approaches based on patient tolerance, with options including delayed-release/extended-release amantadine (starting at lower doses in older patients due to hallucination risk), extended-release carbidopa-levodopa formulations, infusion pumps for potential deep priming effects, or deep brain stimulation for patients seeking rapid improvement, emphasizing the importance of engaging patients in discussions about their patience for dose adjustments, risk tolerance for adverse effects, and desired timeline for symptom control to guide optimal treatment selection.

2 experts are featured in this series.

Panelists discuss how a 66-year-old man with 8 years of Parkinson disease progression presenting with severe peak-dose dyskinesia affecting basic functions like eating and speaking, plus 4 hours of daily OFF time despite frequent dosing, represents a patient who should not have been allowed to progress to such advanced motor complications, emphasizing that the preferred approach is early intervention to treat motor fluctuations and dyskinesia as they develop rather than waiting until patients reach this severely impaired state with complex symptoms requiring more intensive management strategies.