Find comprehensive information on Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome diagnosis, including clinical documentation requirements, ICD-10 codes (G40.8), medical coding guidelines, and differential diagnosis considerations. Learn about the diagnostic criteria, seizure types associated with LGS, EEG patterns, and treatment options. This resource provides valuable insights for healthcare professionals, clinicians, and medical coders seeking accurate and up-to-date information on Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome.
Also known as
Epilepsy and recurrent seizures
Covers various epileptic syndromes, including Lennox-Gastaut.
Developmental disorders
Includes conditions often associated with Lennox-Gastaut, like intellectual disability.
Abnormal involuntary movements
Encompasses some movement disorders seen in Lennox-Gastaut patients.
Follow this step-by-step guide to choose the correct ICD-10 code.
Is the diagnosis Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome?
Yes
Is status epilepticus present?
No
Do not code Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome. Evaluate for other diagnoses.
When to use each related code
| Description |
|---|
| Multiple seizure types, impaired cognitive function |
| Severe myoclonic epilepsy of infancy |
| Epilepsy with myoclonic-atonic seizures |
Coding Lennox-Gastaut as a generic epilepsy code (e.g., G40.9) due to incomplete documentation of characteristic triad: slow spike-wave, multiple seizure types, intellectual disability.
Incorrectly sequencing Lennox-Gastaut with overlapping comorbidities like developmental delay or intellectual disability. Requires careful review of primary manifestation.
Insufficient documentation of seizure types (tonic, atonic, atypical absence) impacts coding specificity and accurate severity reflection for Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome.
Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome (LGS) diagnosis confirmed in this patient presenting with characteristic triad of multiple seizure types, intellectual disability, and slow spike-and-wave discharges on EEG. The patient exhibits a mixed seizure semiology including tonic seizures, atonic seizures (drop attacks), and atypical absence seizures. Myoclonic seizures and generalized tonic-clonic seizures are also observed. Cognitive impairment ranging from mild learning difficulties to severe intellectual disability is evident, impacting developmental milestones and adaptive functioning. The EEG demonstrates the pathognomonic slow spike-and-wave pattern (1.5-2.5 Hz) predominantly during sleep, confirming the LGS diagnosis. Differential diagnosis considered and ruled out included Dravet syndrome, Doose syndrome, and other childhood epilepsy syndromes. Treatment plan initiated focuses on seizure control and management of comorbidities, incorporating anti-epileptic drugs (AEDs) such as rufinamide, clobazam, and valproic acid. The patient and family are educated on seizure first aid, medication side effects, and the importance of regular follow-up for medication titration and assessment of treatment efficacy. Referral to neurodevelopmental specialists, occupational therapy, and physical therapy are made to address developmental delays and optimize functional outcomes. Prognosis discussed with the family, emphasizing the chronic and often drug-resistant nature of LGS, highlighting the need for ongoing multidisciplinary management and supportive care. ICD-10 code G40.8 (Other generalized epilepsies and syndromes) and relevant CPT codes for EEG and follow-up visits will be documented for medical billing and coding purposes. Ongoing monitoring of seizure frequency, cognitive function, and medication response is crucial for optimizing patient care and quality of life.