Lennox- Gastaut Syndrome (LGS)

Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) is a severe pediatric epilepsy syndrome characterized by multiple seizure types including tonic, atonic, atypical absence, and generalized tonic-clonic seizures. Lennox-Gastaut syndrome develops during the first decade of life, typically between 3-5 years of age and is more common in males. It accounts for up to 10% of all cases of childhood epilepsy.

This syndrome is often associated with long-term adverse effects on intellectual development, social functioning, and independent living.

Lennox-Gastaut syndrome can be caused by a variety of conditions, including.

  • Brain malformations
  • Tuberous sclerosis
  • Perinatal asphyxia
  • Severe head injury
  • Central nervous system infection
  • Inherited genetic and inherited degenerative or metabolic conditions

Treatment of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) revolves around seizure control and includes medical, dietary, and surgical management. Seizure control is associated with improvement in cognition, mood, alertness, and overall quality of life

Signs & Symptoms

The most common types of seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome are tonic and atonic seizures.

Tonic seizures cause-

  • Increased muscle tone and muscle stiffness.
  • Slight bend of the body
  • Brief interruption of breathing
  • Muscle spasms
  • Face and flexion or extension of the arms and legs.
  • Loss of consciousness 

Atonic seizures cause-

  • Sudden loss of muscle tone and limpness.
  • Sudden falls.
  • Partially affect consciousness