Language regression as a manifestation of epilepsy

Authors

  • Joana Ferreira Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Senhora da Oliveira - Guimarães
  • Sofia Lopes Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Senhora da Oliveira - Guimarães
  • José Carmona Lopes Department of Neurology, Hospital Senhora da Oliveira - Guimarães
  • Cristina Ferreira Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Senhora da Oliveira - Guimarães
  • Catarina Magalhães Department of Pediatrics, Hospital Senhora da Oliveira - Guimarães

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.25753/BirthGrowthMJ.v30.i2.17501

Keywords:

cognition, epilepsy, epileptic syndromes, Landau-Kleffner syndrome

Abstract

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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References

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Published

2021-06-30

How to Cite

1.
Ferreira J, Lopes S, Lopes JC, Ferreira C, Magalhães C. Language regression as a manifestation of epilepsy. REVNEC [Internet]. 2021Jun.30 [cited 2024Oct.15];30(2):99-104. Available from: https://revistas.rcaap.pt/nascercrescer/article/view/17501

Issue

Vol. 30 No. 2 (2021)

Section

Case Reports

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Copyright (c) 2021 Joana Ferreira, Sofia Lopes, José Carmona Lopes, Cristina Ferreira, Catarina Magalhães

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