Landau-Kleffner syndrome: A case report

Background: Landau-Kleffner syndrome(LKS) is a rare syndrome that typically presents in early childhood with language regression and seizures. It is also known as Acquired aphasia with epilepsy according to ICD-10(F80.3). Children seem to develop normally until the ages of 3 to 7 years when they have trouble with expressive and receptive language for no apparent reason. Summary: A 7-year-old boy presented with a history of communication difficulty, seizures, and behavioral abnormalities for 6 months duration. His birth and developmental history were uneventful with normal development of language and hearing. Systemic examination, including neurological examination, was normal except for aphasia. Cerebrospinal fluid(CSF) analysis and Magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) brain were normal. EEG was abnormal with generalized spike and wave epileptiform discharges occurring intermittently throughout the record. He was diagnosed with LKS and treatment was started with Sodium Valproate and Risperidone. He improved with treatment and has been on follow-up. Conclusion: We present this case of LKS as it is frequently misdiagnosed as Autism Spectrum Disorder and to highlight the importance of early diagnosis and appropriate management for a better outcome.