Symptoms
The symptoms of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome begin in early childhood, typically before the age of 4.
LGS continues into adulthood, but symptoms generally change with age.
A number of types of seizures occur with LGS.
Verywell / JR Bee
The severity of this varies greatly from person to person.
Compromised physical abilities may interfere with independence.
West syndrome is often treated with adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) or steroids.
Hypoxia
Hypoxiais oxygen deprivation.
Children who experience hypoxia before or shortly after birth often have consequences related to brain development and function.
Encephalitis
Encephalitisis an infection or inflammatory disease of the brain.
It’s likely to cause persistent problems, and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome can be one of them.
In some cases, no reason is identified.
Diagnosis
It can be emotionally difficult to find out that your child has Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
However, it’s natural to still wish to hear that there is a minor cause behind it all.
The most consistent features of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome are the clinical features and the pattern seen on an EEG.
Diagnosis may take weeks or months.
For young kids, healthcare providers may order a CT scan instead.
For babies, an ultrasound may be a better option.
It’s faster and can identify early problems with brain development.
Not everyone with the condition has this pattern, though.
The fluid is collected with a needle inserted into the lower back.
Even with medication, most people with the condition continue to have some episodes.
However, treatment is necessary, as it can reduce seizure frequency and severity.
Additional treatments include theketogenic dietand epilepsy surgery.
Cannabis has gained a great deal of attention as a treatment for childhood epilepsy.
Procedures include surgeries in which the seizure-promoting region of the brain is removed.
Placement of devices such as avagal nerve electrical stimulator (VNS)may also be considered to prevent seizures.
This is not an easy situation for anyone.
You may need help from others to care for a person who has LGS.
Communicate With Your Child’s School
Your childs education and social adjustment may be a challenge.
Listen to feedback and understand that your child may need to change schools.
Get Help
Taking care of someone with a disability is exhausting.
Support groups are a great place to find this.
Resources are available to help you get the best care possible.
As a caretaker, it’s important for you to have time off.
Be sure to reach out for the help you need and practice self-care.
Asadi-Pooya AA.Lennox-Gastaut syndrome: a comprehensive review.Neurol Sci.
2021;114:107612. doi:10.1016/j.yebeh.2020.107612
Lee S, Baek MS, Lee YM.Lennox-gastaut syndrome in mitochondrial disease.Yonsei Med J.
2014;55:4-9. doi:10.1111/epi.12567
Zogenix Inc.FINTEPLA (fenfluramine) oral solution.
Caraballo RH, Fortini S, Fresler S, et al.Ketogenic diet in patients with LennoxGastaut syndrome.Seizure.
