LENNOX-GASTO SYNDROME, OR CHILDREN'S EPILEPTIC ENCEPHALOPATHY (LITERATURE REVIEW)

Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) is considered as a pediatric epileptic encephalopathy and is defined by a triad of multiple drug-resistant seizure types, a specific EEG pattern showing bursts of slow spike-wave complexes or generalized paroxysmal rapid activity, and intellectual disability. According to estimates, the prevalence of LGS is 1 to 2% of all patients with epilepsy. The etiology of the syndrome is often divided into two groups: identified (genetic-structural-metabolic) in 65-75% of patients and LGS of unknown cause in others. Lennox-Gastaut syndrome can be considered as secondary network epilepsy. Seizures in the syndrome are usually drug-resistant, and complete seizure control with resolution of intellectual and psychosocial dysfunction is often not possible. The primary goal should be to reduce the frequency of the most incapacitating seizures (eg, drop attacks and tonic-clonic seizures). Many experts consider valproate, lamotrigine, and topiramate to be first-line drugs. Other effective antiepileptic drugs include levetiracetam, clobazam, rufinamide, and zonisamide. This syndrome is often associated with long-term negative consequences for intellectual development, social functioning, and independent living. [1, p.1-4]