Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome

What is Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome?

Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome is characterized by two or more types of seizures, mental retardation, and a particular EEG pattern with slow spike-and-waves. Typically beginning between the ages of 2 and 6, Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome has no known cause, but is commonly found in children with brain development problems or acquired brain damage.

Children with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome commonly experience multiple seizure types, including:

• Atonic (falling down) seizures
  
• Tonic seizures
  
• Atypical absence seizures
  
• Tonic-clonic seizures

Because atonic seizures cause children to fall to the ground, many children are forced to wear helmets to protect their teeth and face from trauma.

How is Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome treated?

Management can be challenging and can include  anticonvulsant medications, vagus nerve stimulator, and certain types of surgery to control seizures that cause injuries.

Request an appointment

For more information about Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome or to meet with our doctors, request an appointment at the Epilepsy Center.