Seizures associated with LGS
The onset of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) does not begin with a specific type of seizure. For young children when there is no known cause, LGS usually begins with a "drop attack" followed by other seizures.1 The names and specific signs of the different seizure types are listed below. Keep in mind that as your child grows from childhood to adulthood, the seizures he or she experiences may change.
Focal or generalized tonic (formerly tonic)2
Doctors don’t usually diagnose LGS unless the child is having
Focal or generalized atonic (formerly atonic)2
Atypical absence
This is the second most common seizure associated with LGS.1
Clonic
A period of jerking movements.4
Focal or generalized myoclonic (formerly myoclonic)2
Partial, or focal onset
During
Generalized or unknown onset tonic clonic (formerly tonic clonic)2
In the first phase of
Remember that LGS, just like other epilepsies, is more than seizures. Often, children with epilepsy have behavioral problems as well.1 And just as you need to understand the different types of seizures, you’ll need to understand the causes of behavioral problems and ways to approach them.
A child who has LGS may experience a number of different types of seizures.1


LGS Treatment Option
Find out about a prescription treatment that may help reduce seizures associated with LGS. Learn more >References:
- 1. Arzimanoglou A, French J, Blume WT, et al. Lennox-Gastaut syndrome: a consensus approach on diagnosis, assessment, management, and trial methodology. Lancet Neurol. 2009;8:82-93.
- 2. Shafer, PO. New terms for seizure classifications. Epilepsy Foundation Web site. https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/types-seizures/new-terms-seizure-classification. Updated December 2016. Accessed November 26, 2019.
- 3. Crumrine PK. Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. J Child Neurol. 2002;17(suppl 1):S70-75.
- 4. Benbadis SR. Epileptic seizures and syndromes. Neurol Clin. 2001;19(2):251-270.
- 5. Kiriakopoulos E, Shafer PO. Epilepsy Foundation Web site. https://www.epilepsy.com/learn/types-seizures/focal-onset-aware-seizures-aka-simple-partial-seizures. Updated March 2017. Accessed October 21, 2019.