Psychiatry and Clinical Psychopharmacology

A case of acquired epileptic aphasia: landau kleffner syndrome

Psychiatry and Clinical Psychopharmacology 2014; 24: Supplement S224-S225
Read: 658 Published: 17 February 2021

andau Kleffner syndrome (LKS) is first described by Landau and Kleffnerin1957 and characterized by acquired aphasia associated with paroxysmal electroencephalographic changes. It is seen rarely and the real prevalence is unknown. The onset of the syndrome is generally between 2 and 8 years with a peak onset of age 4-5 years old. Boys are twice common affected. Patients are referred to psychiatry for regression of speech, behavioral disturbance and hyperactivity, after the epileptic seizures. Here we report a four years-old boy with Landau-Kleffner Syndrome and discuss the referral reasons, clinical characteristics and the prognosis of the child. B is a 4-year-old boy, who was referred to our outpatient clinic for regression of language skills, becoming withdrawn, difficulty to understand the instructions, a slowdown in movements. Approximately 1,5 years ago, patient had a complex-partial seizure and he had been hospitalized in intensive care unit. Sleep EEG findings were spike and slow waves on the bilateral temporoparietal regions. Electrical status epilepticus of sleep also existed and it is usually demonstrating severe cases. He had been treated with various antiepileptic drugs but got worse and exposed to adverse effects. We have consulted the case to the pediatric neurologist and steroid stoss therapy has been initiated. After a 4 month-follow up patient regained his comprehension and language abilities. Speech therapy is planned. Although Landau Kleffner syndrome is a rare disorder, it should be brought to mind in epileptic patients who have regression in speech abilities. In typical epileptic aphasia, there is a coincidence with onset of aphasia and epilepsy. Epilepsy is usually observed several months before aphasia in LKS. Also clinical approach, treatment and prognosis are different in both circumstances. Multidimensional approach may improve clinical response.

EISSN 2475-0581