Dravet Syndrome
A severe, treatment-resistant form of childhood epilepsy characterized by prolonged seizures, often triggered by fever, beginning in the first year of life.
In Depth
Dravet syndrome is caused by mutations in the SCN1A gene encoding a sodium channel subunit. It is associated with high seizure burden, developmental delays, and elevated SUDEP (sudden unexpected death in epilepsy) risk. CBD (Epidiolex) received FDA approval in 2018 specifically for Dravet syndrome based on two pivotal RCTs showing significant seizure reduction vs. placebo. This represents the strongest clinical evidence base for any cannabinoid in any indication.
Related Terms
Further Reading
More in Clinical
Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS)
A severe form of childhood-onset epilepsy characterized by multiple seizure types, slow spike-wave EEG pattern, and cognitive impairment.
Epidiolex
The FDA-approved pharmaceutical formulation of purified cannabidiol (CBD), manufactured by GW Pharmaceuticals (now Jazz Pharmaceuticals). Approved in 2018 for Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
Dronabinol (Marinol)
A synthetic form of THC (Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol) approved by the FDA for chemotherapy-induced nausea/vomiting and AIDS-related anorexia.
Nabilone (Cesamet)
A synthetic cannabinoid analogue of THC approved for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. More potent than dronabinol.
Nabiximols (Sativex)
A whole-plant cannabis extract containing a 1:1 ratio of THC:CBD, delivered as an oromucosal spray. Approved in over 30 countries for multiple sclerosis spasticity.