Landau-Kleffner Syndrome

On this page

What is Landau-Kleffner syndrome?

Landau-Kleffner syndrome (LKS) is a rare, childhood disorder of the nervous system. It features the sudden or gradual development of aphasia (the inability to understand or express language) and repeated seizures. 

Children with LKS typically develop normally until signs and symptoms of the syndrome begin to develop between the ages of 2 and 8. Males are affected by LKS more often than females.

file-medical
Learn About Clinical Trials
Clinical trials are studies that allow us to learn more about disorders and improve care. They can help connect patients with new and upcoming treatment options.

How can I or my loved one help improve care for people with Landau-Kleffner syndrome?

Consider participating in a clinical trial so clinicians and scientists can learn more about the LKS and related disorders. Clinical research uses human volunteers to help researchers learn more about a disorder and perhaps find better ways to safely detect, treat, or prevent disease.

All types of volunteers are needed—those who are healthy or may have an illness or disease—of all different ages, sexes, races, and ethnicities to ensure that study results apply to as many people as possible, and that treatments will be safe and effective for everyone who will use them.

For information about participating in clinical research visit NIH Clinical Research Trials and You. Learn about clinical trials currently looking for people with LKS at Clinicaltrials.gov.

Where can I find more information about Landau-Kleffner syndrome?

The following resource may help:

Genetic and Rare Diseases (GARD) Information Center

book-open
Order publications from the NINDS Catalog
The NINDS Publication Catalog offers printed materials on neurological disorders for patients, health professionals, and the general public. All materials are free of charge, and a downloadable PDF version is also available for most publications.