Definition:
Landau-Kleffner syndrome is a rare, childhood neurological syndrome marked by the abrupt or slowly development of inability to understand or express language (aphasia) and an abnormal electroencephalogram or EEG. This is because the syndrome affects the part of the brain that is responsible for comprehension and speech control.
Usually, this syndrome affects children aged 5 to 7 years old. This syndrome is also known as: infantile acquired aphasia, aphasia with convulsive disorder, and acquired epileptic aphasia.
Diagnosis:
Landau-Kleffner syndrome is not easy to diagnose and there is a possibility for the disorder to be misdiagnosed as other types of behavioral and mental disorders.
Treatment:
Treatment for Landau-Kleffner Syndrome commonly includes prescription medicines including anticonvulsant and corticosteroids alongside speech therapy. Early therapy will be very useful in achieving positive results.
A conflict-ridden treatment alternative is a surgical procedure known as multiple subpial transaction, which involves creating multiple incisions through the cortex of the affected portion of the brain.
Symptoms and Signs:
The symptoms related to Landau-Kleffner syndrome may include any or all of the following manifestations:
* Behavioral changes – for example, a normal growing child will suddenly lose their language skills.
* Clinical seizures
* Electrographic seizures
* Abnormal electroencephalogram (EEG)
* Aphasia
* Attention disorders like hyperkinesias, an example of attention deficit disorder
* Comprehension difficulties
Causes:
Landau-Kleffner syndrome is caused by a malfunction or defect in the part of the brain that controls comprehension and speech.
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