Did you know?

LGS is found more often in boys than in girls1, 2

Some causes of LGS include issues with brain formation or head injury3

In 30-35% of LGS cases, no cause can be found3

As many as 10% of all childhood epilepsy cases are LGS4, 5

For most people with LGS, seizure types change as they get older6

By adulthood, about 50% to 75% of people with LGS no longer have the typical brain electroencephalogram (EEG) activity associated with LGS7

How do you know it’s LGS?

LGS has many features and can be hard to diagnose. Three signs to look for include: 

Several seizure types

Having several seizure types; sometimes many seizures in a day

Several seizure types

Slowed intellectual ability

Signs of slowed intellectual ability or developmental delay

Slowed intellectual ability

Distinct brain wave pattern

A distinct, or unusual brain wave pattern on an electroencephalogram (EEG)

Distinct brain wave pattern

LGS may be missed, or misdiagnosed as another form of severe epilepsy, such as refractory or uncontrolled epilepsy.

How do you treat LGS?

Most people who have LGS are given multiple drugs to control their seizures. These treatments are known as antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). BANZEL® (rufinamide) is a prescription add-on AED approved for treatment of multiple seizure types associated with LGS in children 1 year of age and older, and in adults.

It’s important to remember:

  • While many AEDs have similar side effects, it's important to note that each one may have unique side effects that differ from others
  • Work with your doctor to balance seizure control and how your loved one’s body tolerates the medicine
  • Some people whose seizures improve from one AED may lose their response to the AED(s) over time.
  • When finding the right AED, be sure to let your doctor know all the drugs (including vitamins and herbal supplements) the person with LGS is taking
HOW BANZEL MAY HELP

What are some other ways to treat LGS?

There are a few other ways to help treat LGS, including:

The ketogenic diet

A special high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet. It can reduce seizures in some people with epilepsy. Talk to your doctor before starting a new diet, as they are the best resource for your loved one’s health

The ketogenic diet

Vagus nerve stimulation

A battery-operated device surgically implanted under the skin, usually in the chest. It sends small electric pulses through the vagus nerve at varying times. Some studies in children with LGS have shown that VNS may reduce the number of seizures

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS)

Corpus callosotomy

A surgical procedure where the 2 halves of the brain are separated. This may be effective in reducing drop attacks

Corpus callosotomy

Less seizures.

More of your loved one.

LEARN HOW BANZEL MAY HELP >

Keep track of your loved one’s seizure control and

share it with their doctor.

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References:
  1. Van Rijckevorsel K. Treatment of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome: overview and recent findings. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment. 2008;4(6):1001–1019.
  2. Ostendorf A, Ng Y. Treatment-resistant Lennox-Gastaut syndrome: therapeutic trends, challenges and future directions. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment. 2017;13:1131–1140.
  3. NINDS Lennox-Gastaut syndrome information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Web site. http://www.NINDS.nih.gov/disorders/lennoxgastautsyndrome/lennoxgastautsyndrome.htm. Accessed August 20, 2012.
  4. Camfield P. Definition and natural history of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. Epilepsia. 2011;52(5):3–9.
  5. Piña-Garza J, Chung S, Montouris G, et al. Challenges in identifying Lennox–Gastaut syndrome in adults: a case series illustrating its changing nature. Epilepsy & Behavior Case Reports. 2016;5:38–43.
  6. Glauser T. Following Catastrophic Epilepsy Patients from Childhood to Adulthood. Epilepsia. 2004;45(5):23–26.
  7. Kerr M, Kluger G, Philip S. Evolution and management of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome through adolescence and into adulthood: are seizures always the primary issue? Epileptic Disord 2011;13(1):S15–S26.
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