Glossary​

Are your loved one’s seizures a sign of something more?

“Refractory,” “intractable,” or “drug-resistant” seizures can be a clue to an underlying condition such as Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS). Getting a diagnosis as early as possible can shape treatment choices and everyday safety.

If you’re just starting to look for answers or you’ve been living with seizures for years, it’s not too late to seek a clearer diagnosis. Start the conversation with your doctor today. This brief questionnaire can help you capture what you’re seeing and discuss whether the seizures could be a sign of LGS or another epilepsy syndrome.

Begin questionnaire
LGS

Which of these sounds most like you?

I want to learn more about what LGS looks like

About LGS

I want to learn more about how LGS is diagnosed

Diagnosis

I'm looking for more information about life with LGS

Resources & FAQs

An LGS story

Watch Lili and Natalie’s story

Lili was 6 months old when her seizures started. In this video, her mom, Natalie, talks about their diagnosis story, the power of doing your own research, and the importance of getting the right diagnosis.

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Lili and Natalie video thumbnail

 

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Lili and Natalie video thumbnail

Glossary/Tab/Desktop

Go to the seizure library to learn about specific seizure terms.

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Autism
  • A neurodevelopmental disorder that can exhibit characteristics such as deficits in social communication, repetitive behaviors, and restricted interests 
  • Autism is more common in males than females, with an estimated ratio of around 3:1 
Cerebral palsy
  • A neuromotor disorder caused by an injury to the developing brain before or shortly following birth 
  • Development of movement, muscle tone, and posture can be affected 
Developmental delays
  • Refers to when a child does not achieve developmental milestones in comparison to peers of the same age range 
  • Examples include lack of engagement with age-appropriate toys, speech delays, or other delays identified by a doctor 
Electroencephalogram (EEG)
  • A diagnostic test that measures electrical activity in the brain using small electrodes attached to the scalp 
  • It is commonly used to detect abnormalities related to epilepsy and other neurological disorders 
Epileptologist
  • A neurologist who has undergone specific training in the diagnosis and management of epilepsy 
  • Epileptologists focus on the management of patients with epilepsy 
Genetic mutation
  • A permanent alteration in the DNA sequence that makes up a gene 
  • Some genetic mutations are hereditary, while others occur spontaneously 
  • Certain mutations are linked to specific medical conditions, including some forms of epilepsy 
Immune disorders
  • Disorders that result from a dysfunction in the immune system, which may be overactive or underactive 
  • Some immune disorders are thought to contribute to the development of epilepsy and other neurological conditions 
Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS)
  • Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) is a rare form of epilepsy that usually begins in childhood and is associated with multiple kinds of seizures
Metabolic disorders
  • A group of disorders that affect the body's ability to convert food into energy 
  • These disorders can be genetic and may lead to a variety of health issues, including developmental delays and neurological symptoms 
Neurologist
  • A medical specialist who diagnoses, manages, and treats disorders of the nervous system, including the brain, spinal cord, nerves, neuromuscular junction, and muscles 
  • Neurologists often serve as the first point of contact for patients with neurological symptoms 
Paroxysmal fast rhythms
  • Paroxysmal fast rhythms, also known as generalized paroxysmal fast activity (GPFA), are patterns of neural activity consisting of 8–26 Hz bursts of generalized rhythmic discharges 
  • Paroxysmal fast rhythms have traditionally been associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome 
Refractory epilepsy
  • May also be referred to as “uncontrolled,” “intractable,” or “drug-resistant” epilepsy 
  • Occurs when a person has failed to become (and stay) seizure free with adequate trials of 2 appropriately selected antiseizure medications 
Refractory Epilepsy Screening Tool for LGS (REST-LGS)
  • A questionnaire-based tool developed by experts to improve both the identification and treatment of patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS)
  • Helps providers to assess the likelihood that a patient has LGS based on four major symptoms and four minor features commonly associated with LGS 
Slow spike-wave pattern (SSW)
  • Refers to a pattern seen on an electroencephalogram (EEG) characterized by slow, high-amplitude spike-and-wave discharges 
  • This pattern is often associated with specific types of epilepsy, including Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS)
Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC)
  • Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a genetic condition characterized by the development of noncancerous tumors that may cause a range of symptoms, including seizures