Landau-Kleffner Syndrome
What is Landau-Kleffner syndrome?
Landau-Kleffner syndrome is a rare language disorder. It often happens in normally developing children, usually between 5 and 7 years of age, and is characterized by the slow or sudden loss of the ability to use or understand spoken language.
What are the signs of Landau-Kleffner syndrome?
The following are the most common signs of Landau-Kleffner syndrome. However, each child may experience symptoms differently.
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Early signs may be referred to as auditory agnosia, which includes the child:
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Suddenly having problems understanding what is said
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Appearing to have problems with hearing and deafness may be suspected
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Appearing to be autistic or developmentally delayed
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Spoken language is eventually affected, which may lead to complete loss of the ability to speak.
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Seizure disorder
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Some children develop their own method of communicating, like using gestures or signs.
Hearing and intelligence usually are confirmed to be normal in children with Landau-Kleffner syndrome.
The symptoms of Landau-Kleffner syndrome may resemble other conditions or medical problems, like deafness or learning disabilities. Always talk with your health care provider for a diagnosis.
How is Landau-Kleffner syndrome diagnosed?
Landau-Kleffner syndrome is commonly diagnosed using an electroencephalogram (EEG). This is a scan that shows the brain's electrical waves. Other diagnostic tests may be used.
Treatment for Landau-Kleffner syndrome
Specific treatment for Landau-Kleffner syndrome will be decided by your health care provider based on:
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Your child's age, overall health, and medical history
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Extent of the disease
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Your child's tolerance for specific medicines, procedures, or therapies
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Expectations for the course of the disease
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Your opinion or preference
Treatment may include medicine for seizures and language ability. Speech therapy should be started as early as possible. Sign-language instruction may also be suggested.