What
is Landau-Kleffner Syndrome?
Landau-Kleffner
syndrome (LKS), also called acquired epileptiform aphasia, is a rare,
childhood neurological disorder characterized by the sudden or gradual
development of aphasia (loss of language) and an abnormal electro-encephalogram
(EEG). LKS affects the parts of the brain that control speech and
comprehension. The disorder usually occurs in children between the ages
of 3 and 7. Typically, these children develop normally and then, for no
apparent reason, they lose the ability to understand others and to
speak. While many of the affected individuals have seizures, some do
not. The disorder is difficult to diagnose and may be misdiagnosed as
autism, pervasive developmental disorder, hearing impairment, learning
disability, auditory/verbal processing disorder, attention deficit
disorder, mental retardation, childhood schizophrenia, or
emotional/behavioral problems.
Is there any
treatment?
Treatment for LKS
usually consists of medications, such as anticonvulsants and
corticosteroids, and speech therapy, which should be started early.
Another controversial treatment option involves a surgical technique
called multiple subpial transection in which the pathways of abnormal
electrical brain activity are severed.
What is the
prognosis?
The prognosis for
children with LKS varies. Some affected children may have a permanent
severe language disorder, while others may regain much of their language
abilities (although it may take months or years). In some cases,
remissions and relapse may occur. The prognosis is improved when the
onset of the disorder is after age 6 and when speech therapy is started
early. Seizures generally disappear by adulthood.
What research is
being done?
The NINDS supports
broad and varied programs of research on epilepsy and developmental
disorders. This research is aimed at discovering new ways to prevent,
diagnose, and treat epilepsy and developmental disorders and,
ultimately, to find cures for them. |
