Neuropathology of secondary generalized epilepsy--(Lennox-Gastaut syndrome)--a case report.

SUMMARY Neuropathological considerations were performed on a case, who went into Lennox syndrome after an acute encephalopathy at the infantile period, and moreover who fell into an akinetic-mute state derived from brain damage by herniation caused by a head injury and subsequent status epilepticus. Neuropathological background in the present case of Lennox syndrome is thought to be based on the widespread unilateral cerebral lesions and the basal ganglional, especially thalamic, degenerations derived secondarily from the diffuse cerebral damage. The patient revealed akinetic mutism with the disappearance of the epileptic seizures and the desynchronization of the EEG's, when the brain lesions formed at the adult period spread over the opposite hemispheric limbic system and the brain stem tectum.