Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS)
What Is Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS)?
Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) is a type of epilepsy, or seizure disorder, that usually begins in childhood. It is characterized by multiple types of seizures and mental disability. LGS begins before age six, and is associated with difficulty in learning and developmental delays.
Causes and Risk Factors
The exact cause of LGS is not known, though it appears to be the result of an underlying brain disorder or injury. Possible causes of LGS include brain abnormalities due to prenatal damage or a genetic disorder, such as tuberous sclerosis, Angelman syndrome, or a chromosome disorder. Other possible causes may include prenatal injury from infection, a stroke, or a medical condition that affects the blood flow to the brain. In some cases, the cause of LGS is unknown.
Symptoms
The most common symptom of LGS is epilepsy, which is a seizure disorder characterized by recurrent seizures. Seizures may be frequent and could interrupt normal activities. Other symptoms of LGS include:
- Developmental delays
- Difficulty learning
- Attention and memory difficulties
- Skin picking or other repetitive behaviors
- Language delays
- Behavioral problems such as aggression
- Sleep problems
- Frequent headaches
Treatment
Treatment for LGS is aimed at managing the seizures and other symptoms to improve quality of life. In many cases, effective treatment requires a combination of medication and lifestyle changes. Medications used to treat LGS can include anticonvulsants, anti-seizure drugs, and other medications to treat symptoms such as mood disorders. Other treatments such as dietary changes, neurological treatments, and surgery may be recommended. The goals of treatment are to reduce the frequency and severity of seizures, improve cognitive function, and improve overall quality of life.