Landau-Kleffner syndrome

What is Landau-Kleffner syndrome?
Landau-Kleffner syndrome (LKS) is a rare, childhood neurological disorder characterized by the sudden or gradual development of aphasia (the inability to understand or express language) and an abnormal electro-encephalogram (EEG). LKS affects the parts of the brain that control comprehension and speech. The disorder usually occurs in children between the ages of 5 and 7 years. Typically, children with LKS develop normally but then lose their language skills for no apparent reason. While many of the affected individuals have seizures, some do not. The disorder is difficult to diagnose and may be misdiagnosed as autism, pervasive developmental disorder, hearing impairment, learning disability, auditory/verbal processing disorder, attention deficit disorder, childhood schizophrenia, or emotional/behavioral problems.

Is there any treatment?
Treatment for LKS usually consists of medications, such as anticonvulsants and corticosteroids, and speech therapy, which should be started early. A controversial treatment option involves a surgical technique called multiple subpial transection in which the pathways of abnormal electrical brain activity are severed.

What is the prognosis?
The prognosis for children with LKS varies. Some affected children may have a permanent severe language disorder, while others may regain much of their language abilities (although it may take months or years). In some cases, remission and relapse may occur. The prognosis is improved when the onset of the disorder is after age 6 and when speech therapy is started early. Seizures generally disappear by adulthood.

What research is being done?
The NINDS supports broad and varied programs of research on epilepsy and developmental disorders. This research is aimed at discovering new ways to prevent, diagnose, and treat epilepsy and developmental disorders and, ultimately, to find cures for them.

Where can I get more information?
American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA)
2200 Research Boulevard
Rockville, MD 20850
(800) 638-8255
TTY: (301) 897-0157
www.asha.org

National Organization for Rare Disorders (NORD)
55 Kenosia Avenue
P.O. Box 1968
Danbury, CT 06813-1968
(800) 999-NORD (6673)
(202) 744-0100
www.rarediseases.org

Epilepsy Foundation
8301 Professional Place
Landover, MD 20785-7223
800-EFA-1000 (332-1000)
301-459-3700
https://www.epilepsy.com/

This information was developed by the National Institutes of Health, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. NINDS Landau-Kleffner Syndrome Information Page. Available at: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/health-information/disorders/landau-kleffner-syndrome. Last accessed April 24, 2023.

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