Long-term courses of West and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome

West and Lennox-Gastaut syndromes are age-dependent epileptic disorders mostly caused by brain malformation or brain lesion. Main manifestation ages are 6-12 months and 2-5 years, respectively. Ictal semiology and electrographic patterns are highly characteristic. Both syndromes prove as refractory concerning pharmacotherapy; few cases, mostly idiopathic or crytogenic, respond to antiepileptic drugs. The long-term course is poor in most cases and marked by a profound neuropsychiatric deficit and persistent severe focal seizures. Only 10% of all patients have reached a satisfactory level of quality of life. © Steinkopff-Verlag 2008.