Landau-Kleffner syndrome (LKS): A rare childhood neurological syndrome

Landau-Kleffner Syndrome (LKS) is an uncommon condition in which a child between the ages of 3 to 9 years loses the ability to speak and understand speech. These children may also have autistic-like behavior. This condition is accompanied by an abnormal EEG with epileptiform discharges generally in the dominant hemisphere in the speech areas of the brain. LKS usually evolves into electrical status epilepticus during sleep (ESES) characterized by continuous spike and wave activity in the majority of non-rapid eye movement (non-REM) sleep. The outcome of this syndrome varies according to the onset of the disease. The epileptic aspect of Landau-Kleffner Syndrome is treated with antiepileptic medication and sometimes surgery; and the speech disability is treated with intensive language therapy. The success of each treatment is dependent on the age and advancement of the disease and varies with each patient. © ASET, Missouri.