Lennox-Gastaut syndrome
As a parent or caregiver of someone who has seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut
syndrome (LGS), your first reaction is likely a need for information. You may need
answers to questions like "What is LGS?" You might want to prepare yourself with
enough knowledge so that you can
ask the right questions of your healthcare provider.
What is Lennox-Gastaut syndrome?
LGS is a rare and severe form of epilepsy. It occurs more often in boys than girls,
and usually develops before the child is 5 years old. It accounts for up to 4% of
all childhood epilepsy cases.1
LGS can be caused in several ways, including problems with brain formation or head
injury. Although it has many possible causes, in 30-35% of cases no cause can be
found.2
Characteristics of LGS
LGS is often difficult to spot. Many healthcare providers and caregivers do not
recognize LGS readily. It is often identified by the following:
- Experiencing several seizure types
and sometimes many seizures in a day
- Delayed intellectual development
- A distinct brain wave pattern on an EEG
Challenges of LGS
This information is meant for educational purposes, to help you understand more
about the possible challenges associated with LGS and not meant to imply that BANZEL
is a treatment for all of them.
No two cases have the same prognosis. However, many share the same challenges. Many
of the challenges of LGS are caused by one drug being taken with another. There are no drugs thus far approved as a mono-therapy for
seizures associated with LGS. It is
always important to let your healthcare provider know all of the drugs (including
vitamins) that your loved one is taking.
A few of the most common are listed here:
Behavioral problems are common and often the biggest concern to
parents and caregivers. Examples of behavior issues may include acting out, aggression,
refusal to cooperate, hitting, biting, crying, jealous behavior, and insubordination.
Cognitive impairments are common in epilepsy. Cognitive effects may include attention, memory, learning, speech, language,
and other functions.
1. Everyday Health Web site, What you should know about Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
Retrieved June 4, 2009, from http://www.everydayhealth.com/childhood-epilepsy/information.aspx
2. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Web site, NINDS Lennox-Gastaut
syndrome information page, Retrieved June 4, 2009, from http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/lennoxgastautsyndrome/lennoxgastautsyndrome.htm