Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome

Topic Overview

Lennox-Gastaut syndrome is a severe form of childhood epilepsy that causes frequent seizures. Several types of seizures are usually present at the same time, including atonic or tonic seizures. These seizures can cause injury.

Lennox-Gastaut syndrome may be caused by a variety of brain injuries. Other problems, such as intellectual disability, delays in physical and intellectual growth, and other mental and physical disabilities, may also be present.

The condition can be difficult to treat. Treatment with medicines, the ketogenic diet, or a type of brain surgery called corpus callosotomy may help control some of the seizures that occur with this syndrome. Most children will continue to have seizures throughout life.

Related Information

Credits

ByHealthwise Staff
Primary Medical ReviewerSusan C. Kim, MD - Pediatrics
Specialist Medical ReviewerSteven C. Schachter, MD - Neurology
Last RevisedAugust 26, 2011
By: Healthwise StaffLast Revised: August 26, 2011
Medical Review: Susan C. Kim, MD - Pediatrics
Steven C. Schachter, MD - Neurology

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