In this Article

• What is Landau-Kleffner syndrome?
• What are the signs of Landau-Kleffner syndrome?
• How common is Landau-Kleffner syndrome?
• What causes Landau-Kleffner syndrome?
• What is the outcome of Landau-Kleffner syndrome?
• What treatments are available?
• Where can I get more information?
• Landau-Kleffner Syndrome Glossary
• Landau-Kleffner Syndrome Index

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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