Landau–Kleffner syndrome

The Landau - Kleffner syndrome (also: Acquired aphasia with epilepsy ) is a rare combination of speech disorder with epilepsy.

Symptoms, consequences

The disease begins between the third and seventh year. Boys are affected more often than girls ( Androtropie ). The previously developed age-appropriate language skills of the child are lost within days to weeks, added abnormalities in the EEG, frequent epileptic seizures. The temporal association between the onset of seizures and the loss of language is variable, both the one and the other may precede. The speech disorders are generally considered as resulting from the seizures.

The lost or lack of spoken language skills limit the social life and communicate a strong and can make it impossible. Also schooling, vocational training and working life are affected. The epileptic seizures involve the risk of injuries and accidents. The acquisition of the license and driving may be impaired or impossible.

Causes

The exact causes of the syndrome are unclear, it is an inflammatory encephalitic process suspected.

Therapy

A causal treatment of Landau - Kleffner syndrome is not known. The treatment is therefore only symptomatic with anticonvulsants and corticosteroids, as well as a symptom-oriented speech therapy.

Forecast

The prognosis for children with Landau Kleffner syndrome - is different. Some affected children keep persistent severe speech impairments, while others recover in the course of time much of their language skills; However, this usually takes years. In some cases, sudden remissions or relapses may occur. The prognosis is more favorable if the onset of the disease occurs after the age of 6. In any case, speech therapy should be initiated as soon as it makes sense. The seizures usually disappear with puberty.