Language regression as a manifestation of epilepsy
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.25753/BirthGrowthMJ.v30.i2.17501Keywords:
cognition, epilepsy, epileptic syndromes, Landau-Kleffner syndromeAbstract
Introduction: Childhood epileptic encephalopathies are age-dependent brain disorders in which ictal and interictal epileptogenic activity is the apparent cause of progressive cognitive and neuro-psychological impairment.
Case report: A previously healthy four-year-old boy presented to the Emergency Department with a history of receptive and expressive language regression with four days of evolution, associated with seizure onset. Clinical features and electroencephalographic findings led to diagnosis of Landau-Kleffner syndrome. The boy was treated with valproate, clobazam, and prednisolone, with language improvement.
Discussion/Conclusion: Landau-Kleffner syndrome is a rare epileptic encephalopathy with pathognomonic sudden aphasia, epilepsy, and paroxysmal electroencephalographic abnormalities. The condition should be suspected in children with normal development who show a deterioration of established language skills. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to improve outcome.
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