Birmingham Father Shares Struggles with Son's Rare Dravet Syndrome Diagnosis
'I was terrified' - Birmingham dad shares discovery of son's 'rare' condition

Image: Birmingham Live
A Birmingham father, Adam Shirwa, describes the harrowing experience of discovering his son Mo has Dravet Syndrome, a rare genetic epilepsy affecting one in 15,000 births. The condition leads to frequent seizures and developmental challenges, impacting Mo's childhood and family life.
- 01Dravet Syndrome occurs in approximately one in 15,000 live births and is often caused by a mutation in the SCN1A gene.
- 02Children with Dravet Syndrome can experience multiple seizures daily and face a higher risk of sudden unexpected death.
- 03Adam Shirwa's son Mo was diagnosed with Dravet Syndrome after persistent seizures and a genetic test confirmed the condition.
- 04Living with Dravet Syndrome has significantly impacted Mo's childhood, limiting outdoor activities and social interactions.
- 05Dravet Syndrome UK aims to raise awareness and support families affected by this condition.
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Adam Shirwa, a father from Rubery, Birmingham, shared his emotional journey after his son Mo was diagnosed with Dravet Syndrome, a rare and life-limiting genetic epilepsy that affects about one in every 15,000 live births. Mo experienced his first seizure at six months old, which led to frequent hospital visits and a diagnosis confirmed through genetic testing. The condition is characterized by severe seizures, developmental delays, and various associated challenges, including autism and ADHD. Adam expressed the difficulties of raising Mo, who has the mental age of a four or five-year-old, emphasizing that their family life has been drastically altered. Mo's condition prevents him from enjoying typical childhood activities, such as playing outdoors, due to seizure triggers. Adam and Dravet Syndrome UK are advocating for increased awareness to facilitate earlier diagnoses and better support for affected families. The charity highlights the importance of understanding the profound impact of Dravet Syndrome on the lives of those it affects, aiming to provide necessary resources and support for families in need.
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Families affected by Dravet Syndrome face significant challenges in daily life, requiring specialized care and support.
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