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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.
NINDS health-related
material is provided for information purposes only and does not
necessarily represent endorsement by or an official position of the
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke or any other
Federal agency. Advice on the treatment or care of an individual patient
should be obtained through consultation with a physician who has examined
that patient or is familiar with that patient's medical history.
All NINDS-prepared information is in the public domain and may be
freely copied. Credit to the NINDS or the NIH is appreciated.
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