LENNOX-GASTAUT SYNDROME

Overview and Facts

Lennox-Gastaut syndrome is an acute disorder that develops early in people during childhood. Seizures are common in children with LGS and can come in various forms. This disease is challenging to treat, but experts work on new treatments. Finding emotional and practical assistance can help you provide the greatest possible quality of life for your kid while dealing with the obstacles and stress that this illness entails.

Seizures commonly begin between the ages of 2 and 6. Learning challenges and developmental delays (such as sitting, crawling, and walking) can range from mild to severe in children with LGS. They may also have issues with their behavior.

Each child develops at his or her own pace, making it impossible to anticipate how a child with LGS will do. While most children have chronic seizures and a learning deficit, some children may react well to treatment and have fewer seizures. Some parents feel that following a diet known as the ketogenic diet is beneficial.

Types and Symptoms

TYPES

The most common types of the Lennox-gastaut syndrome are as follows:

  • Tonic. It refers to a chemical that aids in the hardening of the body.
  • Atonic. It is a condition in which the patient’s muscular tone and awareness are temporarily lost.
  • Unusual absences. It is a staring occurrence.
  • Myoclonic. These are muscle jerks that occur suddenly.

SYMPTOMS

In adolescents with LGS, seizures are severe and prevalent. They also have a wide variety of symptoms, which include:

  • awareness loss
  • spasms
  • confusion in the senses
  • disruptions in the autonomic nervous system
  • sensory dissatisfaction
  • unpleasant sensation
  • convulsions

Diagnosis & Medications

DIAGNOSIS

When diagnosing lennox-gastaut syndrome, the doctor may ask about the frequency of seizures, when they occurred, and other crucial information to establish a correct diagnosis. Also, a comprehensive medical examination, and various neurological examinations, including imaging tests, are needed. Some of these tests are:

TREATMENT

There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, and the illness has shown to be highly resistant to most treatments. The following are the three primary treatments for Lennox-Gastaut syndrome:

  • Medications
  • Ketogenic diet
  • Medical marijuana
  • Surgery

It’s challenging to raise a child with LGS. If your child has regular seizures, a helmet may be necessary to keep them safe if they fall.

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