Acquired Epileptic Aphasia - Landau-Kleffner Syndrome

Landau-Kleffner Syndrome (LKS), or acquired epileptic aphasia, is a childhood disorder. It features a sudden or gradual loss of ability to understand and use spoken language. 80% of children with the condition have epileptic seizures which occur at night. It occurs mostly in children between 3 to 7 years of age. Children who have learned to read and write before the condition often continue to communicate through writing, and others may use a sort of sign language.

The cause of acquired epileptic aphasia is unknown. Most children will appear perfectly normal until their first seizure.

Outcome of Acquired Epileptic Aphasia

There have been a lack of studies conducted on children with LKS, so the exact outcome is unknown. There has been complete language recovery, though at times language problems have continued into adulthood. This ranges from a difficulty, to absolutely no communication at all. It has been shown that the earlier the condition begins, the poorer recovery will be. Seizures are usually outgrown, and brain activity returns to normal by age 15.

There does not appear to be a link between the amount of seizures and the language ability. There is no link found between the severity of impairment, length or frequency of seizures.

Treatment for Acquired Epileptic Aphasia

Medication is used to control seizures and abnormal brain activity but has little effect on the language. Sign language has benefitted many children with acquired epileptic aphasia, as well as corticosteroid therapy.