With any child, behavioral issues are difficult to face. Questions come up about
the cause of the outburst and the best way to discipline the child. Supporting a
child with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) brings special challenges. As a parent
or caregiver, you should be aware of how your child's behavior can be affected by
LGS.
Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and behavioral issues
Though it may be difficult to hear, LGS can do more than cause physical trauma.
Children and adolescents with LGS have an increased risk of psychiatric problems.
LGS typically affects mental functioning, and some children experience some degree
of impaired functioning and developmental delays. Others may also experience behavioral
problems.49
LGS behavior disorders occur in half the cases. Examples include hyperactivity,
emotional instability, aggressiveness, destructive behavior, autism, antisocial
personality, or hypersexuality.50
Aggression and anxiety are less common, but can be problematic.51 Other
examples of behavior issues include:
- Acting out
- Biting
- Crying
- Hitting
- Refusing to cooperate
- Behaving in a jealous manner
Resolving behavior problems
When a child with LGS acts out or hits, it can be difficult to determine why. A
loved one with LGS may have the added hurdle of being unable to communicate effectively.
The key to resolving behavior problems is to understand what causes them. Possible
causes include:
The key to resolving behavior problems is to understand what causes them.
Seizures – Often, behavior problems are introduced right after
a seizure occurs.52 When this happens, the child may be reacting to fear
or discomfort caused by the seizure.
Medication– Behavioral issues from Lennox-Gastaut syndrome may
also be an effect of medication.53 A medication's interaction with other
antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) must be taken into account.54 Ask your doctor
about how each new treatment or add-on therapy will interact with other medications
your loved one is taking.
Talk with your doctor about any changes in behavior that you seen in your child.
If the changes coincide with changes in your child's medication, your doctor may
alter the dosage or remove the medication from your child's therapy.
If the behavioral issues are not related to the medication, you may want to discuss
possible options for addressing and correcting the behavior. A specialist familiar
with the needs of children with LGS or the developmentally disabled may be able
to recommend therapy or treatment for your child.
Reaching out for guidance
You may also find it helpful to reach out to the LGS community through blogs, social
networks, and online forums. Others who are caring for a child with LGS may have
encountered similar situations. The advice and support they offer may be valuable.
References
49 National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. "NINDS
Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome Information Page," Accessed August 07, 2009. Web. August
20, 2009. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/lennoxgastautsyndrome/lennoxgastautsyndrome.htm
50 Markand, ON. "Slow spike-wave activity in EEG and associated clinical
features: often called 'Lennox' or 'Lennox-Gastaut' syndrome." Neurology 1977;27:746-57.
Referenced on the Web. http://www.ilae-epilepsy.org/Visitors/Centre/ctf/lennox_gastaut.cfm
51 Dunn, David W., MD. "Differential Diagnosis of Psychiatric Disorders
in Children and Adolescents with Seizures: Unmasking Existing Behavior." Virginia
Commonwealth University. Abstract. Web. Accessed August 21, 2009. http://www.vcu-cme.org/cns/ddunn_abs.html
52 LGS Foundation. "What to Expect." Web. Accessed August 24, 2009.
http://www.lgsfoundation.org/What_to_expect.html
53 Dunn, David W., MD and Pellock, John M., MD. "Psychiatric Comorbidity
in Children and Adolescents with Epilepsy." Presentation, slide 22. Web. Accessed
August 21, 2009. http://www.vcu-cme.org/cns/video56k.html
54 Dunn, David W., M.D., and Austin, Joan K., D.N.S., R.N. "Behavioral
Issues in Pediatric Epilepsy." Psychiatric Times. Vol. 19 No. 9. September
1, 2002. Web. Accessed August 21, 2009. http://www.psychiatrictimes.com/display/article/10168/48441