Lennox Gastaut Syndrome: An Overview

             The more common types of seizures in LGS are:.
             1. Tonic seizures: may be diurnal (during the day) or nocturnal (at night); are usually symmetrical (affecting both sides of the body in the same way and at the same time) in effect; may go unnoticed if only short in duration and reduced to only an alteration in breathing rhythm and eye turning (common during sleep); if they last up to 20 seconds they may manifest as `vibrations' which resemble rapid clonic (rhythmical, jerky) movements of small amplitude (affecting the entire body); urinary incontinence is possible; loss of consciousness is not a constant feature; pupils dilate; if occurring at night, will cause waking and subsequent restlessness; the most common form is stiffening of the shoulders and upper limbs, with a brief cry.
             2. Atonic seizures: represent the most common cause of falls; may appear as head nodding, sagging at the knees, and possible falling to the ground; immediate resumption of activity is usual after the fall; risk of injury to the face is potentially high; the duration of the seizure is usually only 1 - 2 seconds.
             3. Myoclonic seizures: are very brief, shock-like contractions of the muscles involving the head and upper limbs.
             4. Atypical absences: observed in a majority of LGS cases; a brief period of staring and dulling of consciousness; often goes undetected as loss of consciousness is incomplete, with the individual continuing to display signs of slight activity; usually progressive and frequent, starting as eyelid and mouth movements progressing to a decrease in general muscle tone and possible collapse.
             STATUS EPILEPTICUS.
             Status Epilepticus (`status") is a term used for a condition in which the individual experiences a severe succession of seizures with incomplete recovery of consciousness between each seizure. The occurrence of this condition is considered to be a medical emergency because of its effects on the body as a whole - with possible heart failure, respiratory failure, renal failure, inhalation asphyxia, dehydration, and brain damage.