lennox-Gastaut syndrome: an updateon treatment

Can J Neurol Sci. 2012 Nov;39(6):702-11. doi: 10.1017/s0317167100015535.

Abstract

Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) is a severe epileptic encephalopathy. Few current treatment options are effective in improving seizure control. This paper reviews the available treatments of LGS and discusses a new option in Canada, rufinamide. It is a wide spectrum anticonvulsant, approved in a number of countries for the treatment of LGS. In a randomized controlled trial in the LGS population, adjunctive rufinamide therapy has been shown to offer significantly greater reduction in total seizure frequency and tonic-atonic seizure frequency in comparison to placebo. Efficacy has been assessed over three years and appears to be sustained. Most adverse events were cognitive (e.g. somnolence) or gastrointestinal in nature and in many cases transient or mild. based on the efficacy and safety data on rufinamide obtained to date, this medication will provide additional benefits to patients with LGS in Canada and is an important consideration for our patients in the adjunctive treatment setting.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Anticonvulsants / therapeutic use
  • Canada
  • Cognition Disorders / etiology
  • Electric Stimulation Therapy
  • Guidelines as Topic
  • Humans
  • Intellectual Disability / complications
  • Intellectual Disability / diagnosis*
  • Intellectual Disability / epidemiology
  • Intellectual Disability / therapy*
  • Lennox Gastaut Syndrome
  • Spasms, Infantile / complications
  • Spasms, Infantile / diagnosis*
  • Spasms, Infantile / epidemiology
  • Spasms, Infantile / therapy*

Substances

  • Anticonvulsants

Supplementary concepts

  • Epileptic encephalopathy, Lennox-Gastaut type