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  •         Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome
•     Seizures and Autism
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Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS)

Lennox-Gastaut syndrome is a severe form of epilepsy. Seizures usually begin before 4 years of age. Seizure types, which vary among patients, include tonic (stiffening of the body, upward deviation of the eyes, dilation of the pupils, and altered respiratory patterns), atonic (brief loss of muscle tone and consciousness, causing abrupt falls), atypical absence (staring spells), and myoclonic (sudden muscle jerks). There may be periods of frequent seizures mixed with brief, relatively seizure-free periods. Most children with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome experience some degree of impaired intellectual functioning or information processing, along with developmental delays, and behavioral disturbances. Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome can be caused by brain malformations, perinatal asphyxia, severe head injury, central nervous system infection and inherited degenerative or metabolic conditions. In 30-35 percent of cases, no cause can be found.

* National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Related Links:

The LGS Foundation

LivingWithLGS.com is a site with useful and usable information for those living and caring for someone with Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome. The website also features several other educational resources designed specifically for the caregiver, such as videos, tip sheets and information about finding support.

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