Landau-Kleffner syndrome (also called infantile acquired aphasia, acquired epileptic aphasia, or aphasia with convulsive disorder) is a language disorder. It frequently occurs in normally-developing children, usually between three and seven years of age, and is characterized by the gradual or sudden loss of the ability use or comprehend spoken language.
It is a rare disorder, with approximately 160 cases diagnosed between 1957, when the syndrome was first identified, and 1990.
The following are the most common indicators of Landau-Kleffner syndrome. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently.
Early signs may be referred to as auditory agnosia, which includes the child:
suddenly having problems understanding what is said.
appearing to have problems with hearing - deafness may be suspected.
appearing to be autistic or developmentally delayed.
Spoken language is eventually affected, which may lead to complete loss of the ability to speak.
Some children develop their own method of communicating, such as with gestures or signs.
Approximately 80 percent of children with Landau-Kleffner syndrome have a history of one or more epileptic seizures that usually occur at night.
All children with Landau-Kleffner syndrome have abnormal electrical brain wave activity on both sides of the brain.
Hearing and intelligence usually are confirmed to be normal in children with Landau-Kleffner syndrome. However, the disorder may be accompanied by behavior or psychological problems such as:
hyperactivity
aggressiveness
depression
The symptoms of Landau-Kleffner syndrome may resemble other conditions or medical problems, such as deafness or learning disabilities. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.
Landau-Kleffner syndrome is commonly diagnosed using an electroencephalogram (EEG), a scan that shows the brain's electrical waves, as well as other diagnostic tests.
Specific treatment for Landau-Kleffner syndrome will be determined by your physician based on:
your age, overall health, and medical history
extent of the disease
your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
expectations for the course of the disease
your opinion or preference
Treatment may include medication for seizures, convulsions, and language ability. Sign-language instruction may also be suggested.