Antiepileptic treatment in a child with Landau Kleffner syndrome: a case report

Landau-Kleffner Syndrome is a rare childhood disorder characterized by acquired aphasia and epileptiform EEG abnormalities. Hyperactivity and attention problems are common in LKS, and symptoms of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASDs) may also coexist. Many different treatments have been used for LKS, with varying rates of success. In particular, the effects of antiepileptic drug treatment on acquisition of language have been inconsistent. To the best of our knowledge the literature does not include any reports on the effect of antiepileptic drug treatment on ASD symptoms in patients with LKS. Herein we report a boy with LKS whose ASD symptoms markedly improved in response to antiepileptic treatment.

A boy aged 3 years 10 months presented to the department of child and adolescent psychiatry due to lack of social interaction, decreased eye contact, stereotypic hand movements, and language regression. The patient was diagnosed as LKS and valproic acid (VAL) treatment was started. The patient was followed-up regularly and after 3 months of treatment with VAL substantial improvement was observed in problematic behaviors, and language and social skills.

In the presented LKS case rapid improvement in autism symptoms was observed in response to antiepileptic drug treatment. The patient's reacquisition of speech and rapid improvement in social skills with antiepileptic treatment are important findings. It may be possible to effectively treat ASD symptoms in patients with LKS with early diagnosis and appropriate antiepileptic treatment.