SCN8A Encephalopathy with a Significant Long-Term Response to Lacosamide

Abstract

Developmental and epileptic encephalopathy associated with SCN8A variants (i.e., SCN8A encephalopathy) causes early-onset epilepsy, involuntary movements, hypotonia, and developmental delay. Sodium channel blockers are effective for treating SCN8A encephalopathy; however, the long-term effects are unknown. Herein, we report the long-term efficacy of lacosamide (LCM) treatment in a patient with SCN8A encephalopathy. Our patient, a 7-year-old girl, presented with a hyperekplexia-like excessive startle response, drug-resistant epilepsy with sinus arrest, and prolonged respiratory failure during the neonatal period. The patient was diagnosed with SCN8A encephalopathy caused by a de novo pathogenic variant of SCN8A: c.3979A > G; p.Ile1327Val. The patient experienced tonic clustered seizures daily, with dramatic responses to high doses of LCM, lasting approximately 3 years.

Keywords

SCN8A encephalopathy - hyperekplexia - sodium channel blocker - lacosamide

Publication History

Received: 13 October 2023

Accepted: 25 May 2024

Article published online:
26 June 2024

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