Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome

Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome represents one of the most severe and intractable childhood epilepsies, often emerging from or following infantile spasms (West Syndrome). The characteristic EEG pattern shows slow (1-2.5 Hz) spike-and-wave activity, particularly evident during sleep. The syndrome is marked by multiple seizure types, with tonic seizures (brief stiffening episodes) being particularly characteristic, often occurring in clusters, especially during sleep. Atonic seizures (drop attacks) can lead to sudden falls and injuries, necessitating protective headgear and environmental modifications. Atypical absence seizures differ from typical absence seizures in their slower onset and offset. The intellectual disability is usually moderate to severe, with developmental progress typically slowing or reversing after syndrome onset. Behavioral comorbidities including autism spectrum features, anxiety, and sleep disturbances are common. Status epilepticus, with continuous or rapidly recurring seizures, represents a medical emergency.