Landau Kleffner Syndrome
Landau-Kleffner syndrome (LKS) is an acquired epileptic aphasia in which children 3-8. years old, who already have developed normal speech, experience language regression with verbal auditory agnosia, abnormal epileptiform activity, and behavioral disturbances. Its pathophysiology involves synchronization, presumably through thalamic-related neuronal networks, of epileptiform activity in speech areas leading to marked discharge activation in sleep. There are no controlled studies of LKS therapy. Current treatment protocols usually include steroids or valproate as well as older and newer antiepileptic drugs. Emerging therapies include high-dose diazepam, intravenous gammaglobulin, and multiple subpial transection. © 2009 Elsevier Ltd All rights reserved.
