A North East mum whose son has been forced into intensive care seven times has opened up about the rare syndrome that affects one in every 15,000 live births – with her son being one of them.   

Georgina Coulson, who lives in Ashington, Northumberland, is among those helping charity Dravet Syndrome UK to spread the word by sharing the story of her son, John Joseph, who was diagnosed with the condition at the age of just eight months.

John was first diagnosed after repeated prolonged seizures and ‘blue light’ ambulance dashes to hospital, which has seen him in intensive care seven times.

As well as seizures, John Joseph has development delay, and behavioural issues.

Read more: Lorry overturns on A19 in Northumberland as dramatic images released 

He can’t swallow and is fed by PEG and has oxygen overnight; all of which are part of how he is affected by Dravet Syndrome.  

By raising awareness of the condition, Georgina now wants to increase understanding of the huge impact that Dravet Syndrome has on the lives of families.

She said: “I first came across Dravet Syndrome on an American website while desperately googling and I just knew instantly that John Joseph had it.

“He was in intensive care having been put into an induced coma.

The Northern Echo: John Joseph and mum Georgina playing John Joseph and mum Georgina playing

“I rushed back to intensive care at 3am and asked them to test him for Dravet Syndrome.

 

“They hadn’t even heard of it and tried to reassure me they didn’t think it was the case.

“We were sent home and I felt like my child was a ticking time bomb. I was terrified to be alone with him. I was so scared about the next seizure, but I knew it was coming.”

Although officially a ‘rare’ condition, occurring in around 1 in every 15,000 live births, Dravet Syndrome is one of the most common genetic epilepsies, as well as one of the most treatment-resistant.

In around 85 per cent of cases, it is caused by a mutation in a gene known as SCN1A. 

Epilepsy is just one part of the condition.

Read more: Stack Newcastle: Replacement venue planned on Pilgrim Street 

As well as seizures, Dravet Syndrome causes learning disability and a spectrum of associated conditions, which may include autism, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), challenging behaviour, and difficulties with speech, mobility, feeding and sleep.

Georgina added: “It took six weeks for the results to come through confirming it was Dravet Syndrome. I was absolutely devastated.

“I felt like his future had been robbed and I didn’t cope well for a long time.

“I’m backing the campaign to raise awareness because I don’t want other families to have the same experience we’ve had.

“I know it’s rare, but with a bit more knowledge there are signs of Dravet Syndrome that medics could spot, so they can ask the question, could it be Dravet Syndrome.” 

Keep up to date with all the latest news on our website, or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

You can also follow our dedicated County Durham Facebook page for all the latest in the area by clicking here.

For all the top news updates from right across the region straight to your inbox, sign up to our newsletter here.

Have you got a story for us? Contact our newsdesk on newsdesk@nne.co.uk or contact 01325 505054