Disease Directory Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome
Neurological

Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome

Also known as: LGS, childhood epileptic encephalopathy with diffuse slow spike-waves

Prevalence

1-5 per 10,000 (Orphanet)

Onset

Infantile, Childhood

Type

Multiple etiologies (structural, genetic, metabolic, unknown)

Gene

Multiple (SCN1A, STXBP1, CDKL5, and others)

About Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome

Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) is a severe epileptic encephalopathy defined by a triad of multiple seizure types (particularly tonic and atonic drop attacks), characteristic EEG pattern (slow spike-wave and fast rhythms during sleep), and intellectual disability. It typically emerges between ages 1-8 years and is frequently refractory to antiseizure medications. Cannabidiol (Epidiolex), clobazam, rufinamide, and felbamate have specific approval for LGS.

Common Clinical Features

Tonic seizures Atonic drop attacks Absence seizures EEG slow spike-wave pattern Intellectual disability Behavioral problems Frequent falls and injury

Clinical Trial Eligibility Tips

What to know before applying to Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome trials.

EEG-confirmed LGS criteria (slow spike-wave <3Hz, tonic seizures, cognitive impairment) must be documented at baseline

Drop attack (tonic and atonic seizure) frequency diary over minimum 3 months is required for most LGS trials

Etiology (structural, genetic, unknown) should be documented — some trials exclude specific etiologies

Prior and current antiseizure medication history (at least 2 failed medications) is typically required to confirm refractory status

Patient Resources

Patient Organization

Epilepsy Foundation

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Natural History Registry

Epilepsy Learning Healthcare System (ELHS)

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Orphanet

European reference resource for rare diseases (ORPHA:2382)

View on Orphanet ↗

NORD

National Organization for Rare Disorders

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Find recruiting Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome trials

Search 500,000+ studies from ClinicalTrials.gov, filtered for Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome. Updated daily.

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