Acquired Epileptiform Aphasia: A Dimensional View of Landau-Kleffner Syndrome and the Relation to Regressive Autistic Spectrum Disorders

Authors: Stefanatos G.A.; Kinsbourne M.; Wasserstein J.

Source: Child Neuropsychology (Neuropsychology, Development and Cognition: Section C), Volume 8, Number 3, September 2002 , pp. 195-228(34)

Publisher: Psychology Press, part of the Taylor & Francis Group

Key:

- Free Content

- New Content

- Subscribed Content

- Free Trial Content

Abstract:

Acquired epileptiform aphasia (AEA) is characterized by deterioration in language in childhood associated with seizures or epileptiform electroencephalographic abnormalities. Despite an extensive literature, discrepancies and contradictions surround its definition and nosological boundaries. This paper reviews current conceptions of AEA and highlights variations in the aphasic disturbance, age of onset, epileptiform EEG abnormalities, temporal course, and long-term outcome. We suggest that AEA, rather than being a discrete entity, is comprised of multiple variants that have in common the features of language regression and epileptiform changes on EEG. Viewed this way, we argue that AEA can be conceptualized on a spectrum with other epileptiform neurocognitive disorders that may share pathophysiological features. The implications of this viewpoint are discussed, with emphasis on parallels between the AEA variants and regressive autistic spectrum disorders.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1076/chin.8.3.195.13498

The full text electronic article is available for purchase. You will be able to download the full text electronic article after payment.

$45.09 plus tax Refund Policy