The Landau-Kleffner Syndrome: a review

The Landau-Kleffner syndrome or the syndrome of acquired epileptic aphasia was first described in 1957. The disorder is characterised by gradual or rapid loss of language in a previously normal child. All children have abnormal EEG compatible with the diagnosis of epilepsy, however, only 70% have clinical seizures. The present article presents a review of the current knowledge concerning this disorder. Information is provided related to the clinical picture, etiology, pathogenesis, treatment and outcome.