Neurológia pre prax 1/2011

Contemporary treatment options for Lennox-Gastaut syndrome

The Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) is one of the most severe epileptic encephalopathies of childhood onset. LGS is characterised by occurence of multiple type of epileptic seizures (tonic, atonic, atypical absences), an EEG finding, psychomotor delay and behaviour disorders. The optimum treatment for LGS remains uncertain. This paper summarizes the therapeutical options of LGS including pharmacological therapy, diet and surgery. No study has shown any one drug to be highly efficacious; rufinamide, lamotrigine, topiramate and felbamate may be helpful as add-on therapy. Until further research has been undertaken, clinicians will need to continue to consider each patient individually, taking into account the potential benefit of each therapy weighed against the risk of adverse effects.

Keywords: Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, pharmacological treatment, ketogenic diet, VNS.