Symptom 10: Status Epilepticus – The Long-Drawn Siege of Seizures
Another picture: a castle under siege, a relentless barrage challenging its defenses. Now, transpose this image to the brain in Lennox Gastaut Syndrome (LGS), under the long-drawn siege of status epilepticus – seizures that refuse to cease.
Status epilepticus in LGS is a crisis, a state of persistent seizure activity that goes beyond the episodic nature of common seizures. It’s like being trapped in a storm with no respite, the thunderclaps of electrical activity echoing relentlessly.
The challenge of status epilepticus is not just in its duration. It’s also about the toll it takes on the body and the brain. It’s akin to a marathon with no finish line, the constant demand for energy leaving both the mind and body exhausted.
What’s more, status epilepticus can also have a profound impact on cognition and behavior. Imagine the aftermath of a storm, the landscape forever altered. Similarly, the brain might bear the marks of this relentless siege, reflected in altered cognitive functioning or behavioral changes. (10)
