2025 ICD-10-CM code G40.81
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Diseases of the nervous system - Episodic and paroxysmal disorders 6 Feed
Lennox-Gastaut syndrome. A severe form of epilepsy with multiple seizure types starting in early childhood, typically before age 4.
Medical necessity for the diagnosis and management of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome is established by the presence of characteristic symptoms, EEG findings, and associated impairments.Treatment is medically necessary to control seizures, minimize developmental and cognitive delays, improve quality of life, and prevent complications.
Diagnosis and management of Lennox-Gastaut syndrome involves a comprehensive evaluation including medical history, physical and neurological examination, EEG, MRI or CT brain scan, and genetic testing. Treatment often requires a multidisciplinary approach with neurologists, developmental pediatricians, and other specialists.Treatment strategies aim to manage seizures and address developmental and behavioral challenges.
In simple words: Lennox-Gastaut syndrome is a serious form of epilepsy that starts in young children, usually before they turn 4.Children with this condition have many different types of seizures. They might stiffen up, have staring spells, lose muscle control and fall suddenly, or have jerking movements.Most children with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome also have learning difficulties and behavioral problems. Doctors use a special brain wave test called an EEG to help diagnose it.
Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) is a severe childhood epileptic encephalopathy characterized by multiple seizure types, impaired cognitive function, and a specific EEG pattern.Seizures often begin before age 4 and can include tonic, atonic, atypical absence, myoclonic, and generalized tonic-clonic seizures.The condition is often associated with developmental delays, intellectual disability, and behavioral problems.Various underlying causes may include brain malformations, tuberous sclerosis, perinatal asphyxia, severe head injury, central nervous system infections, and genetic or metabolic conditions.In some cases, no specific cause can be identified.
Example 1: A 3-year-old child presents with multiple seizure types, including tonic seizures (stiffening of the body), atypical absence seizures (staring spells), and atonic seizures (sudden falls).EEG shows slow spike-and-wave activity.Developmental assessment reveals cognitive impairment.The child is diagnosed with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome., A 5-year-old child with a history of infantile spasms develops new seizure types, including tonic and atypical absence seizures.EEG reveals slow spike-and-wave discharges.The child experiences increasing cognitive and developmental delays.Lennox-Gastaut syndrome is diagnosed., A 7-year-old child with a history of brain malformation has recurrent seizures of various types, including myoclonic jerks and drop attacks.EEG findings are consistent with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.The child also demonstrates significant intellectual disability and behavioral problems.
Documentation for Lennox-Gastaut syndrome should include detailed descriptions of seizure types, frequency, and duration; EEG findings (slow spike-and-wave activity); neuroimaging results (if applicable); developmental and cognitive assessments; and any identified underlying causes.Medical necessity for treatments and therapies should also be clearly documented.
- Specialties:Neurology, Pediatric Neurology, Developmental Pediatrics
- Place of Service:Inpatient Hospital, Outpatient Hospital, Physician's Office