FIND US Donate Now! Search Form LEARN LIVING WITH EPILEPSY MAKE A DIFFERENCE CONNECT ABOUT US You Are Here Learn / Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathy Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathy CONTENT HIGHLIGHTS What are the DEEs? Learn Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathy Causes of DEE DEE Challenges DEE Evaluation DEE Health Care Teams Resources for DEE COVID-19 and Epilepsy About Epilepsy: The Basics Types of Seizures Types of Epilepsy Syndromes Epilepsy Due to Specific Causes Triggers of Seizures Diagnosis Treating Seizures and Epilepsy Managing Your Epilepsy Early Death and SUDEP Drug-Resistant Epilepsy Challenges with Epilepsy Learning Network GET THE NEWS! Join our mailing list to stay to date about programs, events, and news about epilepsy. SUBMIT Download the DEE Toolkit What Is Developmental And Epileptic Encephalopathy (DEE)? Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathy (DEE) refers to a group of severe epilepsies that are characterized both by seizures, which are often drug-resistant, as well as encephalopathy, which is a term used to describe significant developmental delay or even loss of developmental skills. In the DEEs, there are two factors that contribute to the developmental delay. Developmental encephalopathy implies that developmental delays are the direct result of the underlying cause of their epilepsy. In addition, some children with DEEs also have an epileptic encephalopathy due to very frequent seizures and markedly abnormal EEGs, which may substantially worsen developmental problems. Importantly, if seizure control can be improved, the Epileptic Encephalopathy component of the delay should improve, however the Developmental Encephalopathy component will not change. Most DEEs begin early in life, often starting in infancy. Children often have very frequent and severe seizures which can be of multiple types. Often epileptic spasms, tonic or atonic seizures and myoclonic seizures can be seen. In most cases, seizures are life long, although less commonly can abate with time with certain syndromes or specific causes. The electroencephalographs (EEGs) in children with DEEs are typically very abnormal, showing diffuse slowing of the background, and frequent seizure discharges. However, in some cases, the EEGs done early on (before or very shortly after the seizure onset) may not show abnormalities. on 02/2021 on Monday, March 1, 2021 Our Mission The mission of the Epilepsy Foundation is to lead the fight to overcome the challenges of living with epilepsy and to accelerate therapies to stop seizures, find cures, and save lives. Follow Us 3540 Crain Highway, Suite 675, Bowie, MD 20716 | 1.800.332.1000 LEARN COVID-19 and Epilepsy About Epilepsy: The Basics Types of Seizures Types of Epilepsy Syndromes Epilepsy Due to Specific Causes Triggers of Seizures Diagnosis Treating Seizures and Epilepsy Managing Your Epilepsy Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathy LIVING WITH EPILEPSY Our Training and Education Healthy Living Driving and Transportation Independent Living Legal Help EF My Seizure Diary Toolbox Epilepsy and ... Schools and Seizure Preparedness Seizure First Aid and Safety MAKE A DIFFERENCE Join our Grassroots Advocacy Walk to END EPILEPSY® Care and Cure Institute: END EPILEPSY in Children Get Involved eJourney Ways to Give Online Store Merchandise Online Store Educational Materials GIVE 26 to END EPILEPSY Public Awareness CONNECT Get Social! 24/7 Helpline Community Forums Seizure and Epilepsy News Contact Us Find an Epilepsy Specialist Find a Clinical Trial Epilepsy Foundation Terms of Use Privacy Policy ABOUT US Advocacy Research and New Therapies Our Programs Learning Healthcare System Find Your Local Epilepsy Foundation About the Foundation Careers Our Impact Copyright © 2020. Epilepsy Foundation of America®, d/b/a Epilepsy Foundation®, is a non-profit organization with a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status. All rights reserved. P Get the Latest Epilepsy News * Submit