Landau-Kleffner Syndrome (cont.)
How common is Landau-Kleffner syndrome?
More than 160 cases have been reported from 1957 through 1990.
What causes Landau-Kleffner syndrome?
The cause of LKS is unknown. Some experts think there is more than one cause
for this disorder. All of the children with LKS appear to be perfectly normal
until their first seizure or the start of language problems. There have been no
reports of children who have a family history of LKS. Therefore, LKS is not
likely to be an inherited disorder.
What is the outcome of Landau-Kleffner syndrome?
There have not been many long-term follow-up studies of children with LKS.
This lack of evidence, along with the wide range of differences among affected
children, makes it impossible to predict the outcome of this disorder. Complete
language recovery has been reported; however, language problems usually continue
into adulthood. The continued language problems can range from difficulty
following simple commands to no verbal communication. If recovery takes place,
it can occur within days or years. So far, no relationship has been found
between the extent of the language impairment, the presence or absence of
seizures and the amount of language recovery. Generally, the earlier the
disorder begins, the poorer the language recovery.
Most children outgrow the seizures, and electrical brain activity on the EEG
usually returns to normal by age 15.
What treatments are available?
Medication to control the seizures and abnormal brain wave activity
(anticonvulsants) usually has very little effect on language ability.
Corticosteroid therapy has improved the language ability of some children. Sign
language instruction has benefited others.
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