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How is Lennox-Gastaut syndrome diagnosed?

See how Lennox-Gastaut syndrome is diagnosed. Which specialists are essential to meet, what tests are needed and other useful information for the diagnosis of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome

Lennox-Gastaut syndrome diagnosis

Diagnosing Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome


Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS) is a rare and severe form of epilepsy that typically begins in early childhood. It is characterized by multiple seizure types, cognitive impairment, and abnormal electroencephalogram (EEG) patterns. Diagnosing LGS can be challenging due to its complex nature and the need to differentiate it from other types of epilepsy.



Medical History and Physical Examination


The diagnostic process for LGS usually starts with a thorough medical history and physical examination. The healthcare provider will inquire about the patient's symptoms, seizure types, and any potential triggers. They will also assess the patient's developmental milestones, cognitive abilities, and behavior. This initial evaluation helps to identify any red flags that may indicate LGS.



Electroencephalogram (EEG)


An EEG is a crucial tool in diagnosing LGS. It measures the electrical activity of the brain and can detect abnormal patterns associated with epilepsy. In LGS, the EEG often shows a characteristic pattern called slow spike-and-wave complexes. These abnormal waveforms typically occur at a frequency of 2.5 to 3.5 Hz and are present during wakefulness and sleep. The presence of slow spike-and-wave complexes on EEG is a key feature in diagnosing LGS.



Seizure Classification


Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome is defined by the presence of multiple seizure types. These seizures can vary in their presentation and may include tonic seizures (sudden muscle stiffness), atonic seizures (sudden loss of muscle tone), atypical absence seizures (brief loss of awareness), and myoclonic seizures (sudden jerks or twitches). Identifying and classifying these seizures is crucial for diagnosing LGS.



Neuroimaging


Neuroimaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) scans are often performed to rule out any structural abnormalities or underlying brain lesions that may be causing the seizures. While these imaging tests may not directly diagnose LGS, they help exclude other potential causes of seizures.



Genetic Testing


Genetic testing plays a significant role in diagnosing LGS. Certain genetic mutations have been associated with the syndrome, including mutations in genes such as SCN1A, SCN2A, and others. Identifying these genetic abnormalities can provide valuable insights into the underlying cause of LGS and aid in confirming the diagnosis.



Other Diagnostic Considerations


Diagnosing LGS requires ruling out other epilepsy syndromes that may present with similar symptoms. Some of these syndromes include Dravet syndrome, West syndrome, and epileptic encephalopathies. The differentiation between these syndromes is crucial as it impacts treatment decisions and prognosis.



Collaboration with Specialists


Given the complexity of LGS, a multidisciplinary approach involving various specialists is often necessary for an accurate diagnosis. Neurologists, epileptologists, geneticists, and neuropsychologists may collaborate to evaluate the patient's clinical presentation, EEG findings, genetic test results, and other diagnostic information.



Conclusion


Diagnosing Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome requires a comprehensive evaluation of the patient's medical history, physical examination, EEG patterns, seizure types, neuroimaging results, and genetic testing. The presence of slow spike-and-wave complexes on EEG is a hallmark feature of LGS. Collaborative efforts between healthcare professionals are essential to ensure an accurate diagnosis and appropriate management of this challenging epilepsy syndrome.


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4 answers
EEG

Posted May 19, 2017 by Brittney 2000
Translated from spanish Improve translation
Through your symptoms
Studies clinical, EEG, Video EEG, magnetic Resonance imaging, tomography, tractografías, etc

Posted Mar 30, 2017 by Francisco 1150
Translated from spanish Improve translation
I lived in San Pablo Brazil, 17 years q lost time in clinical hospital where my daughter was poorly medicated as a q if I had an epilepsy common porq in Brazil is not known, this syndrome he was baptized with the name of lissencephaly and gave him the name of cortex Duplo for the internet in my desperation and not giving me up, find a doctor in Buenos Aires q study something as rare diseases, and I met the Dr Roberto caraballo in Argentina at the moment of make the query I q said my daughter suffered from lennox gastaut syndrome and that the medicines q took. Were it not for the illness at the time change the medication my daughter after having up to 40 seizures a day today after 2year only have one or two seizures every three months

Posted Apr 2, 2017 by Tamara 1000

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My daughter Katie was born perfectly healthy and "normal". When she was 8 months old, she got sick and had her first seizure. Her first three seizures were within 13 hours and each lasted longer than a half hour. Almost 4 years later, we are still ba...
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