Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome: A Severe Form of Epilepsy
We are making great strides in understanding what causes epilepsy and how to treat it. Today, most children with epilepsy are able to lead active and full lives. However, all families facing epilepsy have challenges, some more than others. It can take a long time to find the right treatment and medical team. Too many children still face misunderstanding and discrimination in their schools and communities. Some, unfortunately, have rare forms of severe epilepsy such as Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) that resist treatment and can cause serious developmental delays and learning issues.
LGS is a rare, difficult-to-treat condition that causes frequent, multiple types of seizures. Less than 4 percent of children with epilepsy have LGS. Permanent developmental delays, behavior problems and some mental retardation are common. Complete recovery is rare.
LGS usually first affects children between the ages of three and five. Although some children begin to lose milestones, many are developmentally delayed and have other seizure types. Explore the other sections of this site to learn more.
Types of Seizures
Seizures occur due to brief disturbances in the normal electrical functions of the brain. There are many kinds of seizures. Most last a few seconds or minutes. A seizure can cause muscle spasms or uncontrollable body movements, loss of consciousness or confusion. With LGS, children often have a combination of different seizure types. Children's behavior, risk of injury and treatment depend upon what kinds of seizures they have. Therefore, it is important to help your doctor identify your child's seizures.
Read More >Latest News
A live “Ask The Expert” event on October 29th with renowned LGS expert, Dr. Jack Pellock.
»See Transcript
Results of this year's national survey of parents of children with LGS. Click here to read the Executive Summary.
The Epilepsy Foundation, a national non-profit with more than 50 affiliated organizations throughout the United States, has led the fight against epilepsy since 1968. The Foundation’s goals are to ensure that people with seizures are able to participate in all life experiences; and prevent, control and cure epilepsy through services, education, advocacy and research. Please visit www.epilepsyfoundation.org.
