What is the prognosis of Landau Kleffner Syndrome?

Landau-Kleffner syndrome (LKS) is a childhood neurological disorder. Sudden or gradual development of aphasia (the inability to understand or express language) and an abnormal electro-encephalogram (EEG) are the characteristics of the conditions.

The syndrome affects the parts of the brain that control comprehension and speech. Landau-Kleffner syndrome (LKS) affects children between the ages of 5 and 7 years. Children with the condition develop normally but then lose their language skills for no apparent reason. Some children may have seizures too.

Treatment Options

The treatment options for Landau-Kleffner syndrome (LKS) are medications and surgery. Speech-language therapy, dietary modifications and educational adaptations may also help.

The treatment options are discussed below.

Medications - Medications may offer help to the affected, in the treatment of both language as well as epileptiform symptoms. Corticosteroids and antiepileptic drugs have been found to be successful in the reduction of seizures as well as in improving language in a significant percentage of children. Some do not respond to corticosteroids and antiepileptic drugs; they are recommended to go for intravenous immunoglobulin treatment.

Surgery - Surgical treatment is the option when the affected do not respond to medications. The treatment option may reduce seizures as well as improve congnitive abilities. The surgery helps to control seizures without many complications but still thought of as experimental by a lot of people.

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.

(Image source:Gettyimages)

Read more articles on Landau Kleffner Syndrome.